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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
III!
3 1833 00097 0092
Gc 977.201 J31s v.l
A standard history of Jasper
and Newton counties,
A Standard History of
Jasper and Newton Counties
Indiana
An Authentic Narrative of the Past, with an Extended
Survey of Modern Developments in the
Progress of Town and Country
Under the Editorial Supervision of
LOUIS H. HAMILTON, Rensselaer
For Jasper County
and
WILLIAM DARROCH, Kentland
For Newton County
Assisted by a Board of Advisory Editors
Volume I
ILL US TRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY -^
CHICAGO AND NEW YORK J-C*
m. 2111
St. 7.^
1308665
INTRODUCTION
Indiana has always stood for not only prosperity, but originality,
whether considered from the standpoint of the commonwealth or the
people. In politics it is often classed as doubtful, because its men
and women are thinkers, as well as doers, and are not led against
their wills. Especially is the northwestern part of Indiana typical
of prosperity, energy and independence, and Jasper and Newton
Counties are centers of "God's country," as the real Hoosier calls
his home hunting grounds, his picturesque streams, his teeming fields
and his hamlets, towns and cities.
It is this diverse, useful and interesting country and people which
this history, now finished, has endeavored to depict in the gem
counties of Jasper and Newton. The twin counties, which so
worthily perpetuate the names of two brave Revolutionary com-
rades, have put forth gallant soldiers of the later days, writers of
wide repute, successful business men, women of culture, and
numerous characters of both sexes whose strength and activity have
been given to social, moral and religious development.
From the very outset, it was the earnest aim of editors and pub-
lishers to gather all material information bearing upon the multi-
tude of topics which logically called for treatment and which the
prospectus had promised. As a rule, the responses were prompt and
hearty, although in scattered instances, and despite repeated
requests, the facts obtained were not as full as desired. Without
mentioning all who have thus promoted our enterprise, and co-oper-
ated in the lightening of our labors, the editors acknowledge their
obligations to their advisory boards of both counties and to the
editors of the newspapers, without exception. All have rendered
cheerful and efficient assistance. Not a few business men have also
contributed of their valuable time in the actual preparation of manu-
scripts, for which they have our special thanks. While it has been
the constant aim of the editors to give all credit who have materially
contributed to the upbuilding of any community or institution, the
object has also been kept in mind of endeavoring to observe literary
proportions in the amount of space accorded to the many topics con-
sidered. In the progress and completion of the work, we have
endeavored to be impartial, as becomes all historians, whether writ-
ing of counties or of countries.
iii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
CO-OPERATION OF NATURE AND MAN
The Kankakee and Iroquois — Surface Geology — Mineral
Springs — Topography, Soil and Products — Moulding of
Nature by Man — What the Fires Did to Drive Out Rank
Forage — The Live Stock of Jasper County — Agriculture
and Live Stock Forty Years Ago i
CHAPTER II
CONFLICTS OF WHITES AND REDS
The Miamis Tamed by the Iroquois — Labors of French Mis-
sionaries and Traders — French Indiana — Indiana Under
British Rule — Uncertain French Titles to Lands — Ruled
from Canada and Virginia — In the County of Illinois —
Part of Northwest Territory — Indiana Territory — Gen-
eral Harrison, Father of Indiana — Tecumseh and the
Prophet — The Battle of Tippecanoe — Founding of the
State Government — Miami and Pottawattamie Titles Ex-
tinguished— Pottawattamie Villages in Jasper County —
No Evidences of Permanent Prehistoric Settlements. . . 16
CHAPTER III
PREPARATIONS FOR WHITE IMMIGRATION
The American Survey System — Survey of Indiana Public
Lands — When Statehood Came — Creation of the Counties
— Conditions Unfavorable to Settlement — William Dona-
hue, First Settler — The Yeoman and the Nowels Family
— Charles G. Wright — Thomas Randle and George Culp —
The Blue Grass Settlement — The Benjamins — Settlers of
1832-45 37
vi CONTENTS
CHAPTER IV
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
Erection of the Twin Counties — Named after Comrade Pa-
triots— Jasper County of 1835 — County Seat Moved to
Spitler's Cabin — Jasper and Newton Counties Consoli-
dated— County Seat, the Falls of the Iroquois — Formation
of Townships — The Spitler Courthouse — The Early Rens-
selaer Courthouses — The Brick Courthouse of 1856 —
Courthouse Burned — The Courthouse of 1898 — County
Jails — County Officials 44
CHAPTER V
COURTS, JUDGES AND LAWYERS
First Western American Courts — First Territorial Court —
Federal vs. Territorial Jurisdiction — Judicial System un-
der the First State Constitution — Subsequent Legislation
Affecting the Courts — Circuit Court, a Monopoly of Judi-
cial Power — List of Circuit Judges, 1852-1916 — First Court
Sessions in Jasper County — Noted Early Lawyers — Joseph
A. Wright — Rufus A. Lockwood — Edwin P. Hammond —
Simon P. Thompson — Robert S. Dwiggins — Mordecai F.
Chilcote 57
CHAPTER VI
LAND HIGHWAYS
Indian Trails in Jasper County — The White Man's Trails and
Early Roads — Bridges as Connecting Links — Thwarted At-
tempts at Railroad Building — Indianapolis, Delphi & Chi-
cago Line, a Success — Rensselaer Gets Railway Connection
Now in the Monon System — The Big Four — The Three I's
Railroad — The Chicago & Eastern Illinois 70
CHAPTER VII
GENERAL AND STATISTICAL
Decadal Population, 1840-1910 — County Revenue and Taxable
Property — Present Area and Value of Property — County
Finances — The Swamp Lands Scandal — Draining and Im-
provement of the Lands — Jasper County Agricultural
Society 76
CONTENTS vii
CHAPTER VIII
GROUNDWORK OF AMERICAN GROWTH
Basis of the American Public School — Territorial and Early
State Legislation — First Township Schools — The Old-
Time Subscription Concern — Created in Three Days —
Founding a Regular System — Building Schoolhouses Un-
der the New Order — Deciding on Teacher's Qualifications
— Pioneer Schools in Jasper County — The County's
Sources of Educational Revenue 84
CHAPTER IX
SPECIAL PIONEER PICTURES
First Sight of the Grand Prairie — Harbingers of Malaria —
Abundance of Wild Game and Fish — The Seasonings and
Cultivated Meats, Rarities — Settling of the Emigrant
—Breaking Ground — The Pioneer's Live Stock and
Forage — Wild Honey and Pumpkin Sirup — Hoosier Hunt-
ing Grounds — In the Kankakee Marshes — A Pottawat-
tamie Village 92
CHAPTER X
JASPER COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR
State Militia Previous to the Civil War — Jasper County in
the War of the Rebellion — The Ninth as a Three-Months'
Regiment — General Robert H. Milroy, Leading Military
Figure — Unveiling of Memorial at Milroy Park — Judge
Hammond's Tribute to General Milroy — A Nursery of
Military Renown — First Union Victim of the Battle-
field— Company A, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry — The Sev-
enteenth Infantry — The Forty-eighth Regiment — The
Eighty-seventh — Twelfth Cavalry, Company K — Fourth
Battery, Light Artillery 114
CHAPTER XI
RENSSELAER AND ITS INSTITUTIONS
First Actual Settlers— The Yeomans — William Mallatt —
The Rapids Named Newton — Yeoman Floated Out by Van
Rensselaer — Newton Platted in 1839 — Name Changed to
viii CONTENTS
Rensselaer — Death of Van Rensselaer — Corporation of
Rensselaer, With Additions — Incorporated as a City —
Municipal Officials — City of the Present — Municipal
Departments — The Commercial State and First National
Banks — State Bank of Rensselaer — Jasper Savings & Trust
Company — The Local Press — Churches — St. Joseph's Col-
lege— Societies 133
CHAPTER XII
REMINGTON
Always a Grain and Livestock Center — Elevators — State
Bank of Remington — Corporation Matters — Remington
Public Library — The Newspapers — The Churches — Foun-
tain Park Assembly 1 54
CHAPTER XIII
MINOR CENTERS OF POPULATION
Saltillo, the Pioneer Settlement — The Forks Settlement,
Rensselaer's Early Rival — The Blue Grass Settlement —
Carpenter's Grove — Davidsonville — Hanging Grove — Town
of Wheatfield 163
CHAPTER XIV
NEWTON COUNTY BEFORE IT WAS A POLITICAL
BODY
Darroch's Review Previous to Civil Organization — No Indian
History — The Period of Lawlessness — Early Adventurers —
The Kenoyer Settlement — First Postoffice at Brook —
John Murphy Founds Morocco — John Ade Locates There
— Morocco and the Neighborhood in 1853 — Lands in the
Goodland Region — Alexander J. Kent and Kentland. . . 168
CHAPTER XV
MATTERS VITAL TO THE COUNTY
Opposition to a Western County — State Supreme Court Up-
holds Newton County — The County First Publicly Recog-
nized— First Officials Elected and Sworn In — John Ade
and Family — Kentland Still the County Seat — Seat
CONTENTS ix
Located Before Town Was Platted — Proposed Change to
Beaver City — Other Attempted Removals — The Old Court-
house— The New Courthouse — The Poor Farm and Asylum
— Organization of the Townships — Roster of County Offi-
cials— The County's Golden Anniversary — Increase in
Population — Population in i860, 1870 and 1880 — Popula-
tion in 1890, 1900 and 1910 — Assessed Valuation of Prop-
erty, 1916 — Other Statistics for 191 5-16 — Improved Roads
in the County — In the Days of the Trails and Stage
Routes — Projection and Building of Its Railroads 183
CHAPTER XVI
COURTS, JUDGES AND LAWYERS
Circuit Judges Presiding in Newton County — Judges of the
Court of Common Pleas — First Term of Circuit Court —
First Term of Common Pleas Court — Albert G. Brown and
Other Pioneer Lawyers — "Reputation Is Not Character"
— Reputation of the Beaver Lake Region — The Man from
Mong — Convening of Court, an Event — A Degenerate Son
— Legal Matters Connected with Kankakee Improve-
ments— Beaver Lake Land Litigations — The Brandon
Trial — Justifiable Larceny 209
CHAPTER XVII
COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Pioneer Schools of the County — Prominent Ex-Pupils of a
District School — The: County Examiners (1861-73) —
County Superintendents (1873-1916) — The System of the
Present — Play, as Well as Work — The School Savings
Bank — The Boys' County Corn Club 1-233
CHAPTER XVIII
NATURE AND HER CULTIVATION
Transformation of the Beaver Lake Region — Natural Drain-
age and Topography — Prehistoric Mounds — Soil and Prod-
ucts— George Ade on Agricultural Changes of Twenty
Years — Jump from $50 to $200 per Acre — Scientific
Farming, the Explanation — Change in Popular Opinion
241
x CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIX
NEWTON COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR
(1861-1865)
The "Boys" of '6i — The County at the Outbreak of the War
— First War Meeting — Summer and Fall of '61 — Organi-
zation of Company B — Off for the Front — Dark Days in
Newton County — Enrollment in the County — "The Home
Guard" — John Ade — Brook Soldiers' Monument and Tablet
— Newton County's Roll of Honor — Gave Their Lives in
the Service — "Out of Reach" 251
CHAPTER XX
KENTLAND, THE COUNTY SEAT
The Original Frontier Town — Struggles for a Distinctive
Name — Improvements in 1865-70 — Great Fire of December,
1870 — A Series of Destructive Fires — Ultimate Result,
Substantial Town Improvement — Public School Burned —
Destruction of McCray-Morrison Elevator — Water and
Electric Light Supply — Public School System — The Car-
negie Public Library — Kentland Woman's Club — Warren
T. McCray — Kentland's Material Standing — Discount and
Deposit State Bank — Kent State Bank — Kentland's First
Newspapers — Newton County Enterprise — Newton County
Democrat — Early Kentland Churches — United Brethren
in Christ — The M. E. Church — St. Joseph's Catholic
Church — The Presbyterian and Christian Churches —
Secret and Benevolent Bodies 275
t
CHAPTER XXI
GOODLAND
Originally Tivoli, a Railway Flag Station — First Business
Men and Additions — Grain Warehouses and Elevators —
Extensive Grain and Produce Trade — Increase in Popula-
tion and Area — Abundant Supply of Water and Light —
The Public Schools— Goodland's Two Banks — The Good-
land Herald — The Churches — The Lodges 293
CONTENTS xi
CHAPTER XXII
(
THE TOWN OF BROOK
Public Schools — The Brook Public Library — McKinley Park
and the Soldiers' Monument — The Pioneer Methodists —
Miss Ella Lyons' Story — First Church and School at the
Lyons House — Changes in Circuits — List of Pastors —
United Brethren Church of the Brook Circuit — The
Christian Church — The Welfare Club — History of Brook
Masonry — Knights of Pythias — The Independent Order
of Odd Fellows — Modern Woodmen of America — The Bank
of Brook — The Brook Reporter — Pioneer Times in Town
and Township — Early Mills and Their Owners — Seven
Good Strong Men — Samuel H. Benjamin — Morris Lyons — ■
John Lyons — Old-Time History by John Hershman and
Morris Jones — Brook in 1856 — Mr. Hershman's Address —
Stove Without a Fireplace — Other Home Improvements —
Early Schools and Teachers — A Little Judicial and Civil
History — More About the Township Schools 300
CHAPTER XXIII
MOROCCO AND OTHER TOWNS
Drawn to the Rich Fur Country — Murphy Lays Out Morocco
— Slow Growth — Invisible Branch Bank of America — ■
Struggles to Become County Seat — Final Expansion — The
Present Morocco — The Morocco Courier — The Methodist,
Christian, United Brethren and Baptist Churches — The
Morocco Woman's Club — Tpie Lodges — Mount Ayr — First
Called Mount Airy — Other Railroad Towns 335
Biographical 347
/
f
INDEX
Abbott, Melvin, 143
Adams, Henry I., 55
Ade, 346
Ade, Ardis, 282
Ade, George, 188, 245, 305
Ade, John, 170, 177, 178, 179, 184,
186, 187, 194, 198, 199, 200, 204,
205, 208, 233, 254, 255, 261, 262,
285, 291, 337, 635
Ade, Mrs. John, 260
Ade, Mr. and Mrs. John (portrait),
177
Ade, McCray & Company, 285
Ade, William H., 193, 198, 396
Agate, Amos, 657
Aldrich, E. T., 343
Alexander, Robert, 47
Allen, Joseph,, 187, 190
Allman, Jesse D., 55
Alter, B. Frank, 371
Alter, I. N. S., 147
Alter, Isaac V., 392
Alter, John E., 56, 100, 393
Alter, John J., 199
Alter, Lewis S., 56, 361
Alter, Moses B., 55, 143
Alter, Samuel, 55
American Survey System, 37
Amsler, Henry, 437
Anderson, A. E., 342
Anderson, Edward, 131
Anderson, Emma M., 651
Anderson, James C, 652
Anderson, William B., 724
Andrews, John, 170, 184
Anheir, Anthony A., 193
Annabel, Thurman C, 56
Antrim, James F., 56
Antrim, Thomas, 56
Archibald, James, 191
Archibald, Pierce, 236
Area, 77
Armitage, John, 120
Armitage, Will, 120
Arnold, Alvin, 265
Arnold, Elias, 682
Arnold, E. R,, 265
Arnout, G. W., 277
Ash, Daniel, 192, 206, 256, 258, 270
Ash, John H., 213
Askew, Eliza, 407
Atkinson, Charles M., 234 '
Atkinson, Elias, 206
Atkinson, George W., 234
Atkinson, Walter, 234, 256, 258, 275
Austin, John M., 56
Babb, Henry, 134
Babcock, Augustus D., 625
Babcock, Frank W., 55
Babcock, G. M., 148, 159
Babcock, James B., 639
Babcock, James L., 639
Babcock, William C., 55
Baker, William P., 444
Ballard, James, 56, 170
Ballard, Rev., 316
Ballard, T. E., 311
"Bandits of the Prairie," 172
Bank of Wheatfield, 167
Bard, Samuel, 305
Barker, Martin G., 735
Barker, S. C, 171
Barker, Thomas, 170
Barker, Thomas R., 170, 175, 183, 187,
199
Barkley, Belle, 42
Barkley, Henry, Jr., 41
Barkley, Henry, Sr., 55, 56
Barkley township, 49, 76
Barnes, Lillian, 158
Barnett, Cynthia N., 472
Barnett, John, 472
Barr, Robert, 265
Bartholomew, Fred, 266
Bartholomew, Frederick, 762
Bartoo, H. J., 159, 341
Basis of the American public school,
84
Bassett, Clarence C, 605
Battle of Tippecanoe, 27
Beagley, Thorp, 304
Beard, F. H., 149
Beaver City, 190, 192, 208
Beaver Lake, 241 ; bad name of, 215 ;
land litigations, 223
Beaver township, 197, 202, 203
Bebout, Abraham W., 178, 747
Beck, Jennie, 120
Beef cattle, 9
Xlll
XIV
INDEX
Bekelheimer, I., 316
Bell, Charles W., 749
Bell, James, 298
Bellows, Albert J., 459
Benjamin, Jared, 42, 134, 458
Benjamin, Mrs. Jared, 42
Benjamin, Beal P., 56
Benjamin, Rial, 43
Benjamin, Samuel, 175, 322
Benjamin, Samuel EL, 176, 323
Benjamin, S. H., 165
Bennett, William P., 398
Benson, Samuel, 165
Benton County, 48
Bernhardt, August, 541
Berry, William H., 462
Besser, Emil, 559
Beyea, Isaac, 276
Bicknell, John L., 301
Biddle, Jerome EL, 155, 161, 497
Big Four Railroad, 207
Bird's-Eye View of Rensselaer
(view), 143
Bishop, David L., 214
Bishopp, Arthur A., 285
Bissell, James, 211, 256, 258, 259, 271
Bissell, Jane, 260
Bitters, T. M., 148
Blake, William C, 224
Blessing, Joseph, 277
Bloomer, J. M., 266
Blue Grass Settlement, 42, 165
Blue, John, 255
Blue, Matilda, 331
Blue, Philip, 56
Blue, P. R., 167
Bogus Island, 215
Boicourt, Clement T., 445
Boieourt, Vivian, 445
Bold Rapids of the Rockwise, 133
Bole, W. H., 199
Bond, G. A., 311
Bond, Jesse W., 620
Boothroyd, Dyson, 124
Boroughs, Thomas, 55, 147
Bostwick, Lathrop A., 143
Bounty system in Newton county, 258
Bowden, H. O., 286
Bowman, Ezra, 511
Boyle, Albert M., 199
Boys' County Corn Club, 239
"Boys" of '61, 252
Bramble, Amanda, 260
Bramble, Samuel, 198, 254, 256
Branch Bank of America, Morocco,
337
Brandon, Samuel, 227
Brandon Trial, 227
Branson, M. M., 314
Breaking Ground, 97
Brecount, Alfred, 291
Brees, Sylvester, 714
Brenton, Joseph, 123
Brewer, Frank, 709
Bridgeman, Adda, 548
Bridgeman, E., 191
Bridgeman, George M., 199, 547
Bridgeman, Samuel, 758
Brigham, Elmer R., 194, 199
Bright, Michael G., 224
Bringle, Jesse, 706
British Indiana, 20
Brook, 193, 202, 203, 208, 300; settle-
ment of, 175, 176; postoffice, 178;
Masonry, 317; early mills, 322; in
1856, 325
Brook Carnegie Library, 316
Brook Chapter No. 372, Order of the
Eastern Star, 318
Brook High School Building (view),
301
Brook, H. J., 298, 605
Brook Lodge No. 70, F. & A. M., 317
Brook Lodge No. 277, Knights of
Pythias, 318
Brook Lodge No. 427, I. O. O. F., 319
Brook Modern Woodmen of America,
320
Brook Soldiers' Monument, 262, 303
Brook Welfare Club, 316
Brown, Albert G., 211
Brown, Ephraim, 707
Brown, George H., 42
Brown, John T., 56
Brown, Mrs. G. H., 43
Bruce, Edgar L., 368
Bruce, Henry, 134
Bruce, Lawson, 55
Bruck, John A., 199
Bruner, John F., 504
Brunei', Mrs. Harry, 303
Bryant, William P., 63
Builta, L. P., 341
Bull, E. H., 160
Burgess, Charles E., 426
Burgess, Hiram, 425
Burns, Albert M., 193
Burns, Mrs. William, 42
Burton, William H., 199, 554
Bush, Adah E., 284
Bush, Asabel K., 131
Business Street of the Present Good-
land (view), 294
Bussell, Charles W., 515
Butler, Henry, 688
Calkins Brothers, 148
Calkins & Johnson, 148
Callahan, Thomas, 150
Callow, Joseph, 134
Carnegie Library Building (view),
316
Carnegie Library, Kentland (view),
283
Carpenter township, 51, 76
Carpenter's Creek, 154
INDEX
Carpenter's Grove, 165
Carr Brothers, 470
Carr, Mat hew P., 469
Carson, J D., 161
Cashaw, Vhomas J., 266
Cass, Lewis, 30
Catholic Church of the Sorrowful
Mother, 167
Catt, Edmond, 266
Cattle, 14
Cattle-raising, 9
Chamberlain, King J., 737
Chambers, Joseph, 199
Chancellor, James, 195
Chapman, Blanche L., 412
Chapman, James H., 143, 146
Chicago & Eastern Illinois Eailroad,
208, 339
Chicago, Indiana & Southern Eail-
road, 208
Chilcote, Mordecai F., 68, 123
Chizum, Albert E., 46, 234
Chizum, James B., 234, 769
Chizum, Joseph M., 234, 612
Christian Church, Kentland, 291
Church & Hartley, 154, 295
Church, O. W., 158, 295
Church of Christ, Morocco, 342
Church of Christ of Brook, 314
Church of God at Bensselaer, 149
Church of the Sacred Heart, Beming-
ton, 581
Circuit Court, 63, 210
Circuit Judges, 63, 209
Cissel, John H., 308
Cissel, M. O., 148
Citizens State Bank, Morocco, 341
Civil war bounties (Newton County)
259
Civil war enrollment in Newton
County, 258
Civil war relief, 116
Civil war relief fund (Newton Coun-
ty), 261
Clark, A. B., 158
Clark, A. L., 311
Clark, Amos, 178
Clark, George T., 753
Clark, Horace M., 660
Clark, Josiah, 140
Clark, Leslie, 148, 534
Clark, Mervin, 141
Clark, Thomas M., 255, 266
Clark, William, 58
Clary, Isaac N., 32
Claussen & Son, 167
Claypool, James H., 308
Clifton, C. W., 333
Cochrane, John Sr., 621
Cockrill, Mrs. William, 43
Coen, Albin W., 55
Coen, John, 134
Coffelt, John, 191
Coflelt, Michael, 170, 187, 199
Coffert, Michael, 276
Coffman, Joseph, 31?
Coffman, W. N., 3li
Cole, L. A., 141, 184
Colfax township, 198, 202, 203
Collier, Theodore E., 302, 317, 692
Collier, Mrs. T. E., 303
Collins, Erasmus B., 254, 255, 265,
267
Collins, G. D., 316
Collins, Jasper J., 199
Collins, William, 769
Comer, Addie C, 523
Comer, Barney L\, 522
Comer, Stephen T., 520
Commercial State Bank, Bensselaer,
145
Common Pleas Court, 62, 210, 211
Company A, Fifteenth Indiana Begi-
ment, 125
Company B, Fifty-First Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, 264, 267
Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-
First Begiment, 262
Company K, Forty-Eighth Begiment,
128
Company K, Twelfth Cavalry, 130
Comparet, Frank A., 214, 571
Cone, C. B., 192, 285
Conn, G. A., 318
Conrad, 208, 346
Conrad, Jennie M., 346
Continental Bailway, 208
Continental Bailway Company, 73
Cooking Class in Operation (view),
238
Cool, L., 299
Cook, Milton, 199
Cooke, John L., 602
Coombs, J. V., 315
Cooper, J. S., 314
Coover, Marion C, 199
Coover, William H., 55, 158
Coovert, Frank, 198
Coppock, William C, 298
Corn-crackers, 99
Corbin, Henry K., 767
Corbin, William F., 698
Corbin, Mrs. William, 314
Corporation of Bensselaer, with Addi-
tions, 141
Cotton, William, 134
Coughlin, Bobert, 285
Counterfeiters of Bogus Island, 223
County Asylum and Hospital, 54
County finances, 79
County jails, 54
County seat, 48
Courthouse of the Present (view), 62
Courthouse of 1865 (view), 53
Court of Common Pleas judges, 209
Cowen, V. B., 286
XVI
INDEX
Cox, Charles, 158
Craig, James R., 773
Crank, Rev. Mrs. S. M., 314, 315
Crawn, Mrs. D. J., 742
Creek, David, 185, 186, 247, 293
Crockett, Alexander, 49
Crowder, R. H., 159
Crowe, J. B., 160
Crozier, John, 160
Crumpacker, E. D., 305
Culp, George, 41, 135, 163, 370
Cummings, Roland R., 549
Cummings, William, 214, 549
Cunningham, Terrence B., 550
Cunningham, William S., 730
Cured fish, 35
Curnick, Paul C, 149
Currens, R, C, 198
Dairies, 9
Daniel, Charles M., 198, 545
Daniel, Christian, 150, 442
Daniels, Elvin, 291
Daniels, George, 632
Daniels, Horace G., 679
Darroch, Austin M., 234
Darroch, Daniel C, 234
Darroch, John, 167, 177, 185, 186,
191, 206, 219
Darroch, John M., 234
Darroch, William, 63, 200, 209, 234,
242, 366
Daugherty, Daniel, 43
Daugherty, John, 43
Daugherty, Lewis L., 43, 56
Daugherty, William H., 43
Daveer, John W., 192
Davidson, Lewis, 165
Davidson, Moses E., 165
Davidsonville, 165
Davies, Daniel F., 56, 147
Daviess, Jo, 28
Davis, Charles M., 287
Davis, Prank, 193, 302, 303
Davis, Fred, 341
Davis, John G., 198
Davis, John R., 193
Davis, Mrs. John G., 284, 286, 287
Davis, Thomas L., 734
Davisson, Grant, 683
Day, Edward, 311
Day, John, 335
Dean, Algy, 219
Dean, Charles J., 472
Deardurff, Daniel, 177
Deardurff, J. R., 199
Deardurff, John, 255
Deardurff, John S., 266
Deardurff, Mrs. Tennis, 343
Deardurff, Young D., 616
Deaver, John W., 319
DeForest, O. E., 157, 158
DeHart, R, P., 192
Deitch, Albert G., 311
Democratic Sentinel, 148
DeMotte, 74
Denham, Charles T., 156, 384
Deuel, George E., 298
Dewees, Abraham, 305
Dewees, Abram, 692
Deweese, William, 265
Dick, Anthony, 151
Dickinson, Sumner H., 627
Dickson, Hannah, 314
Didlake, Mrs. M. T., 161
Diocesan Orphan Asylum, 149
Discount and Deposit State Bank, 285
Dluzak, Charles, 597
Dodson, J. V., 193, 235
Dodson, James W., 564
Domestic Science Products (view),
235
Donahue, William, 40, 49
Donaldson, S., 82
Doty, Daniel, 265
Dowling, William, 199
Downing, Wesley, 43
Drainage of Beaver Lake, 242
Drake, Ira, 198
Drees, Henry, 150
Dunham, D. S., 289
Dunham, J. D., 158
Dunham, J. E., 158
Dunlap, John A., 409
Dunlap, Livingston, 187, 190
Dunn, Isaac, 670
Dunn, John P., 224
Dunn, Josiah, 175
Dunnville, 74
Duvall, John W., 43
Dwiggins, Robert S., 67, 73, 214
Earl, William H., 266
Early school legislation, 85
Eastern Star, Brook Chapter No. 372,
318
Eddy, Norman, 128, 224
Edwards, J. H., 342
Eger, John, 143, 146
Eib, Adelbert, 680
Eighty-Seventh Regiment, 129, 270
Ekey, Alexander, 199
Elijah, James, 177
Ellis, James H. S., 143
Elliott, Horace, 320
Elliott, John, 175
Elliott, Stephen, 179
Emerich, G. A., 167
Enfield, Christian, 266
English, Edward C, 453
English, Job, 697
English traders, 19
Enos, 208, 346
Enterprise Printing Company, 287
Erwin, Felix R., 643
Esson, John, 575
INDEX
xvii
Everett, T. J., 307, 311
Ewan, E. L., 195
Exhibit of Soil Products, Newton
County (view), 246
Fair Oaks, 74
Falls of the Iroquois, 48
Fan iliar Object on the Early Eoads,
(view) 71
Faris, Benjamin E., 53
Farmers Co-operative Company, 154
Farmers State Bank, Morocco, 341
Farris, Andrew, 43
Farris, James, 342
Faulk, P. H., 343
Fell, Alson A., 55, 401
Fenwick, John, 487
Ferguson, Kin, 265
Fifteenth Indiana Regiment, Company
A, 125
Fifteenth Regiment, Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry, 266
Finn, John, 650
First Baptist Church, Morocco, 343
First church in Newton county, 288
First Civil war meeting in Newton
county, 254
First National Bank, Goodland, 297
First Union victim of the battlefield,
124
Fisher, Henry, 134
Fleming, J. B., 149
Folger, William, 645
Foltz, Frank, 446
Food for Prairie Fires, (view) 5
Forage, 98
Fordice, Jesse H., 154
Foreman, Marcus, 237
Foresman, 208, 345
Foresman, John, 333
Foresman, John B., 317
Foresman, John B., Jr., 695
Foresman, J. B., 345
Foresman, Lillian, 316
Foresman, M., 302
Foresman, Mrs. John, Jr., 303
Forks settlement, 163
Fort Chartres, 20, 21, 58
Fort Wayne & Western Railroad, 73
Forty-eighth Regiment, 128
Frankenberger, Charles, 199
Franklin, John, 165
Frazer, Daniel, 214
Freeland, Abram, 43
Freeland, Abram J., 470
Free school system, 88
French Indiana, 20
French Missionaries, 17
French, Moses F., 372
French titles to lands, 21
French traders, 17
Friedline, Fred & Company, 197
Fry, Daniel, 266
Frye, David K., 704
Foster, Timothy, 294
Foster, William, 257, 258, 293
Fountain Park Assembly, 160
Fountain Park Chautauqua, 161
Fourth Battery, Light Artillery, 131
Fox, John P., 301
Garrett, John M., 123
Garrison, J., 314
Gates, Everett, 342
Gehres, A. W., 316
Geizelman, Alexander L., 493
Geizelman, Emma R., 493
Gilbert, James H., 155
Gillam, John, 163
Gillam Methodist Episcopal Church,
149
Gillam township, 77
Gillett, H. A., 209
Gilman, William W., 198, 634
Girard, William T., 124
Givin, Jesse C, 55
Gleason, David D., 648
Glick, G. M., 311
Gobin, H. A., 159, 306
Goddard, John D., 266
Goddard, Reece, 134
Godfrey, Samuel, 308
Goff, Statira B., 777
Goodacre, Isabelle, 316
Goodland, 179, 193, 202, 203, 208,
239, 293-299 ; warehouses and eleva-
tors, 294; water works, 296;
churches, 298
Goodland Grain Company, 295
Goodland Herald, 298
Goodland 's Public School, (view) 297
Goodnow, Aaron M., 223
Gragg, Bernard B., 317, 318
Gragg, Elsie, 318
Graham Edward, 341
Graham, Edwin, 287
Graham, W. H., 291
Graham, William H. H., 213
Grand Army of the Republic, Rens-
selaer Post No. 84, 153
Grant, Alton, 465
Grant, Garland, 466
Grant, Shelby, 56
Grant township, 198, 202, 203
Graves, Daniel, 256
Graves, Daniel M., 130, 236, 272
Graves, Lawrence, 199
Graves, Milton E., 778
Graves, Robert O., 56
Greathouse, Charles A., 91, 237
Green, A. H., 147
Greenway, J., 311
Grevenstuk, Gerrit, 647
Gridley, Etta, 318
Gridley, Willis A., 317
Griffes, J. L., 160
XV111
INDEX
Griffin, Fred L., 159, 161
Griffin, John, 58
Griggs, Henry T., 502
Griggs, Mrs. W. P., 314
Griggs, W. P., 301r 318
Grindle, Alfred, 54
Group of the Early Settlers of Ren-
selaer, (view) 134
Gumm, Walter L., 161, 535
Guthridge, Albert G., 117, 123
Guthridge, A. J., 164
Guy, Jasper, 484
H. & D. plant, 295
Hall, Andrew, 198, 563
Halleck, A., 53
Halleck, Abraham, 402
Halstead, Chester H., 406
Halstead, David T., 55, 134, 407
Halstead, Everett E., 405
Halstead, Micah B., 403
Halstead, Orpheus C., 404
Ham, Mrs. Ephraim, 256
Hamerton, J. T., 298
Hamey, P. W., 191
Hamilton, Edward H., 199
Hamilton, Louis H., 375
Hamilton, Kobert, 199
Hammerton, Elias, 675
Hammerton, George H., 676
Hammond, E. P., 63, 121, 123, 124,
214
Hammond, Edward P., 117
Hammond, Edwin P., 64, 201, 209, 258
Hammond, J. B., 167
Hammond, Joseph P., 55, 351
Hammond, Stewart C, 42, 351
Hand, S. G., 155, 156, 490
Hanging Grove township, 51, 77
Hanging Grove, 166
Hankie, Lemuel, 43
Hanley, Charles, 56
Hanley, Charles W., 63, 209, 349
Hansson, Johan, 415
Hardy, Abraham G., 56
Hargrave, Richard, 308
Harmon, T. H., 314
Harrington, W. A., 731
Harris, Benjamin, 199
Harris, Henry O., 508
Harrison, William H., 24, 27
Hartley, C. W., 295
Hartley, Charles, 195
Hartman, Louise, 158
Harwood, Riley C., 751
Hathaway Brothers, 154
Hatch, J. A., 255, 256
Hawkins, Ann, 256, 261
Hawkins, Barnett, 199, 562
Hawkins, Edgar, 305, 322
Hawkins, Geo. C, 266
Haymond, William S., 17
Haynes, Mrs. John, 316
Hazelton, Royal, 41, 133, 164
Healey Clark, 148
Healey, George H., 149, 533
Healey, Joshua, 123, 147
Hemphill, Marcus H., 55
Henderson, William, 56
Henkle, John A., 43
Henkle, Joseph C, 43
Henkle, Lemuel, 55
Henneberger, Anthony, 609
Hensler, Christian, 495
Hensler, Jacob A., 496
Herriman, George M., 195, 713
Herriman, Mrs. George M., 713
Hershman, Francis M., 721
Hershman, John, 304, 319
Hershman, John R., 195, 300, 302,
' 327, 659
Hershman, R. E., 302, 303
Hershman, William H., 236
Hervey, O. P., 212, 236, 333
Hess, Andrew, 191, 319, 322, 693
Hess, David, 195, 322, 694
Hess, E. E., 302, 303, 318
Hess, E. S., 199
Hess, Edward, 302, 656
Hess, Egbert S., 546
Hess, Elmer E., 700
Hess, Etta, 318
Hess, Mrs. David, 314
Hess, Reuben, 56, 198, 386
Hess, Sherman, 690
Hicks, Andrew, 466
Hicks, Fred A., 156, 467
Higgins, John, 199, 251, 254, 255,
265, 483
Higgins, Ruth, 284
Hillis, George H., 755
Hinkle, Benjamin, 52
Hinkle, Wesley, 134
Hobbs, Clifton J., 56
Hoerstman, H., 167
Hogan, J. W., 311
Hogs Ready to be Shipped from Rem-
ington, (view) 155
Holly, Guy P., 773
Hollingsworth, Emmet L., 145, 146,
532
Hollingsworth, George K., 145, 532
Hollingsworth, Thomas, 531
Holmes, C. Oliver, 298
Hooker, Joseph E., 712
Hoover, George O., 480
Hoover, Lucy A., 480
Hoover, W. H., 55
Hoover, William I., 56, 448
Hoover, William M., 412
Hope, Valerius P., 756
Hopkins, Clinton, 134
Hopkins, George A., 705
Hopkins, J. D., 56
Hopkins, Joseph M., 56
Horses, 11, 14
INDEX
xix
Horticulture, 13
Hosier, Charles E., 766
Hudson, John, 593
Hughes, Levi, 159
Hull, J. H., 159
Hull, John H., 308
Humston, M. L., 341
Hunt, Job, 176
Hunt, Judson J., 146
Hunt, Lewis W., 583
Huntington, Ella, 736
Hurley, Willis, 720
Hurst, J. S., 265
Hurt, Clyde, 285
Hutton, Cornelius, 159
Hutton, Joseph T., 195
Iliff, Charles F., 638
Iliff, Joseph F., 637
Illinois country, 22
Illustrations
Rural Scenes in Both Counties,
Frontispiece Vol. I; Food for Prai-
rie Fires, 5; Jasper County Live
Stock, 8; Northwest Territory of
1787, 23; Old Time Sawmill, 46;
The First Jasper County Court-
house, 50; The Courthouse of 1865,
53; Courthouse of the Present, 62;
Familiar Object on the Early
Roads, 71; Reclaimed Swamp
Lands, 81; Rural School of Today,
88; Log Cabin's Center of Inter-
est, 96; Robert H. Milroy, 119;
The Old Milroy Homestead, 120;
The Memorial Monument, 122;
Group of the Early Settlers of
Rensselaer, 134; Old Mills Along
the Iroquois River, 138; Bird's-Eye
View of Rensselaer, 143; Rensse-
laer High School, 145; Main Build-
ing of St. Joseph's College, 151;
Ready to Be Shipped from Rem-
ington, 155; Remington's Water
Tower, 157; Mr. and Mrs. John
Ade, 177; Alexander J. Kent and
Wife, 180; The Newton County
Courthouse, 196; Williams Ditch
Triers, August, 1916, 222; Manual
Training Exhibit of Today, 232;
Domestic Science Products, 235;
Cooking Class in Operation, 238;
Exhibit of Soil Products, Newton
County, 246; Lyons Memorial Tab-
let, 263; Public School, Kentland,
280; Carnegie Library, Kentland,
283; Water Works Plant at Kent-
land, 287; Business Street of the
Present Goodland, 294; Goodland's
Public school, 297; Brook High
School Building, 301; Carnegie Li-
brary Building, 316; Morocco High
School, 336; View on State Street,
Morocco, 341
Indian Corn Fields, 34
Indian Trails in Jasper County, 70
Indian treaties, 29
Indiana public lands surveyed, 39
Indiana Territory, 24
Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago Rail-
road, 73
Indians, 16
Ingram, Andrew, 63
I. O. O. F., Brook Lodge No. 427, 319
Iroquois Press, 147
Iroquois river, 1, 101
Iroquois township, 197, 202, 203
Irvin, James, 154
Irwin, J. C, 159
Irwin, James F., 55
Irwin, Robert F., 595
Irwin, Schuyler C, 142, 143
Jackson, David I., 55
Jackson township, 197, 202, 203
Jakway, Adelbert G., 298, 615
James, H. E., 148
James, H. E. & Company, 148
James, Horace E., 13, 147
James, R, B., 56, 147
James, Reuben H., 123
Jasper and Newton counties consoli-
dated, 47
Jasper Banner, 147
Jasper county, 47; bounds, 44
county seat, 47; courthouses, 51
courthouses, 52 ; population, 76
area, 77; property valuation, 77
township areas, 78; personal prop-
erty valuation, 78 ; in the Civil war,
114
Jasper county courthouses, the early
Rensselaer courthouse, 52 ; brick
courthouse of 1856, 52; courthouse
burned, 52; the courthouse of 1865,,
53 ; the courthouse of 1898, 53
Jasper County Agricultural and Me-
chanical Association, 82
Jasper County Agricultural Society,
82
Jasper County Democrat, 148
Jasper County Live Stock (views) 8
Jasjier Republican, 148, 158
Jasper Savings & Trust Company, 146
Jefferson Township, 197, 198, 202,
203
Jenkins, Alfred, 198
Jenkins, George G., 198
Jenkins, John, 219
Jenkins, N. F., 199
Jennings, Jonathan, 30
Jensen, A. L., 167
Jensen, Englebret, 654
Jensen, Thomas, 654
Jessie, C. A., 311
XX
INDEX
Johnson, Benjamin F., 132
Johnson, C. B., 299
Johnson, Cecil E., 56
Johnson, Charles M., 148, 158
Johnson, D. M., 342
Johnson, John F., 198
Johnson, Silas, 170, 177, 184, 191
Johnston, John Z., 199, 277
Johnston, Ora C, 491
Johnston, Walter E., 490
Jones, Acquilla, 224
Jones, Cornelius, 305
Jones, Dexter B., 53
Jones, Ezra B., 199, 291
Jones, Lemuel C, 55
Jones, Morris, 304, 325
Jones, Morris A., 256
Jones, Schuyler C, 199
Jones, Thomas J., 646
Jones, W. H., 314
Jordan, John, 42, 165
Jordan, Sarah L., 513
Jordan Township, 77
Jouvenat, Charles, 158
Julian, 208, 345
Julian, J. B., 345
Justifiable larceny, 229
Kankakee improvements, 219
Kankakee marshes, 100
Kankakee river, 1
Kankakee township, 51, 77
Kankakee valley, 1
Kankakee Valley Draining Company,
219
Kannal, George, 399
Kannal, Harvey J., 400
Kay, Daisy, 343
Kay, M. D., 198
Kendall, J. M., 343
Kendall, Mrs. James, 314
Keefe, Patrick, 192, 193
Keene, Albert S., 655
Keene, Nathan T., 655
Keener township, 51, 77
Keiser, Jacob, 147
Keith, Alice, 120
Kelley Grain Company, 154
Kelley, G. W., 316
Kennedy, Frank, 599
Kennedy, John, 748
Kennedy, Joseph, 607
Kennedy, Sarah A., 749
Kenoyer, Aaron, 265
Kenoyer, Frederick, 47, 176, 289, 342
Kenoyer, Jacob, 175, 288, 312
Kenoyer, Lewis, 738
Kenoyer settlement, 175
Kenoyer, "W. H., 198
Kent, Agnes, 260
Kent, A. J., 191, 192, 197, 256, 277
Kent, Alexander J., 179, 194, 276, 354
Kent, Alexander J. and Wife (por-
trait), 180
Kent, Carroll C, 181, 193, 285, 358
Kent, John A., 357
Kent, Mrs. A. J., 260
Kent, Bosamond C, 357
Kent State Bank, 285
Kentland, 179, 193, 194, 202, 203,
208, 275-292
Kentland 's fire of December, 1870,
277
Kentland 's municipal water works,
281
Kentland churches, 288
Kentland Chapter, Boyal Arch Ma-
sons, 292
Kentland public library, 282
Kentland public school, 281
Kentland Woman's Club, 282
Kenton, Omar J., 473
Kenton, Simon, 164, 473
Kenton, W. M., 42, 136
Kern, Moses A., 149
Keshr, George, 43
Kessler, David, 177
Kessler, Eobert B., 754
Kight, Isaac, 674
Kilgore, Mort, 297, 610
Killenberger, William L., 236
Kimberlin, B. O., 290
Kindig, Samuel G., 741
King, Henry F., 417
King, Orris, 276
King, Sidnial, 134
Kinneman, John G., 619
Kirkpatrick, Carrie, 282
Kirkpatrick, Delia, 282
Kitt, A. J., 158, 288, 298
Knight, Dorothy, 120
Knight, Joseph B., 143
Knight, Mildred, 120
Knights of Pythias, 318
Knox, Turner, 55
Kolhoff, Henry, 474
Kolhoff, John, 475
Kolhoff, Joseph, 476
Kummer, A., 311
Kurrie, Harry E., 732
Lacy, James, 331
Lacy, James W., 175
Ladies Fountain Park Improvement
Association, 162
Lake township, 197, 202, 203
Lake village, 208, 345
Lamb, Virgil, 219
Land values, 78
Landon, H., 161
Langdon, Henry L., 652
Langdon, Herman B., 653
Lansing, Peter, 149
Law, Algie J., 341, 745
Lawler, John J., 716
INDEX
xxi
Lawlessness, 172
Lawrence, Ida, 303
Lawrence, John F., 574
Lawton, E. W., 289
Learning, Cyrus, 256
Lear, Hugh, 152
Leatherman, James, 134
Leatherman, James N., 55, 146, 354
Lee, John H., 779
Lefler, John, 166
Lefler, Michael, 166
Legras, J. M. P., 58
Le Masters, L. W., 237
Leopold, B., 318
Leopold, Bernhart, 317
Leopold, Moses, 143
Lewis, Prank E., 666
Lewis, Isaac M., 686
Lewis, John Q., 56
Lewis, Margaret J., 685
Lewis, William R., 265
Light, Albert, 256, 265, 267
Light, Hugh M., 711
Lilley, E. F., 160
Lincoln township, 198, 202, 203
Little, Ziba F., 624
Littlejohn, William D., 743
Live stock, 7, 98
Lockwood, Jesse M., 199
Lockwood, Rufus' A., 64
Logansport & Peoria Railroad, 194,
207, 293
Logan, Larkin C, 644
Logan, Will C, 298
Log Cabin's Center of Interest
(view), 96
Long, Abram F., 373
Long, Samuel, 43, 373
Longwell, Fred H., 56, 200, 302
Lough, P. L., 155
Loughridge, James H., 410
Louisville, New Albany & Chicago
Railroad Company, 74
Lowe, David E., 319
Lowe, Greenberry G., 199
Lowe, Mrs. James, 256
Lowe, Mrs. J. Bennet, 317
Lowe, Mrs. John, 256, 261
Lucas, Ross, 750
Luers, J., 150
Lund, Eric, 195
Lynch, Charles W., 266
Lynch, George W., 707
Lyons, Aaron, 42, 169, 305, 387
Lyons, Abel, 259
Lyons, Aunt Polly, 256
Lyons, Bennett, 304, 305
Lyons, Ella, 309
Lyons, Fred, 585
Lyons, J. B., 304, 334
Lyons, John, 169, 176, 191, 305, 322,
323, 331, 332
Lyons, John B., 193, 257, 264, 269,
390
Lyons, John, Jr., 303
Lyons, Laban, 773
Lyons, Lawrence E., 740
Lyons Memorial Tablet (view), 263
Lyons, Morris, 306, 309, 319, 322, 323
Lyons, Mrs. Aaron, 26
Lyons, Mrs. John B., 256, 261
Lyons, Mrs. Luther, 317
Lyons, Mrs. Samuel, 314
Lyons Soldiers' Memorial Tablet, 264
MacDonald, Julius L., 315, 316
Major, John F., 55
Majors, George, 159
Makeever, Daniel S., 494
Makeever, John, 134, 347
Makeever, Madison, 43
Malaria, 94
Mallatt, William, 42, 136, 165
Malone, Richard, 345
Man from Mong, 216
Manual Training Exhibit of Today
(view), 232
Marble, Henry W., 167, 538
Marble, Horace, 167
Marion, Francis E., 678
Marion, Lewis, 344
Marion Township, 77
Markets, 98
Marshall, George E., 148
Martin, A. L., 198
Martin, Charles, 169
Martin, Edgar L., 751
Martin, Mrs. Thomas, 314
Martin William, 723
Martin, William D., 341, 764
Martin, William H., 192, 212
Martindale, John C, 53, 457
Martindale, Samuel, 198, 199
Martindale, Teresa B., 457
Maxwell, Theodore F., 266
Maxwell, W. T., 258
May, Charles G., 155
May, Charles V., 55, 482
May, Jacob A., 585
May, Robert W., 481
Mayhew, Charles P., 56
Mayhew, Hopkins & Miller, 142
Mayhew, Horace A., 159
McCain, C, 290
McCain, Richard C, 237, 556
McCarty, John, 147, 287, 319
McCarty, William T., 715
McColly, Benjamin D., 56, 454
Mc Colly, Clark, 454
McCoy, Alfred, 73, 82
McCoy, Thomas J., 142
McClellan township, 198, 202, 203
McCray, Elmer, 558
McCray, Eliza, 559
XX11
INDEX
McCray, Greenberry W., 283, 284, 285,
383
McCray-Morrison Elevator, 280, 284
McCray, Mrs. W. T., 282
McCray, Warren T., 193, 282, 284,
285, 346, 381
McCullough, John, 159
McCullough, Samuel, 43, 170, 187, 198
McCullough, W. I., 159, 161
McCurry, Howard, 198
McDaniel, Asa, 149
McDermott, L. M., 342
McEwin, James W., 148
McGowan, Thomas, 143
McHolland, David A., 254, 257, 265,
267
McHolland, David H., 256
Mcintosh, James, 302
Mcintosh, Mrs. James, 318
McJimsey, Joseph, 163
McKee, G. V., 160
McKenzie, W. E., 307
McKinley Park, 303
McMillen, William L., 551
McMullen, J. W. T., 308
McNary, J. B., 158
McReynolds, B. C, 306, 311
Meadal, Charles E., 594
Means, Samuel A., 726
Memorial Monument (view), 122
Merchant, George A., 710
Merchant, George F., 304, 715
Merchant, John H., 236
Merchant, Joseph, 302
Meredith, H. W., 312, 314
Merideth, Mary, 256
Merideth, Mrs. Henry, 261
Merkle, Jacob, 55
Messmann, Anthony, 299
Methodist Episcopal Church, Brook,
306
Methodist Episcopal Church, Kent-
land, 289
Methodist Episcopal Church, Morocco,
342
Meyer, Frank B., 143
Meyers, George F., 143, 448
Meyers, William, 447
Meyers, William D., 468
Miami and Pottawattamie titles ex-
tinguished, 29
Miamis, 16, 18, 30
Miller, Daniel B., 56
Miller, David, 672
Miller, John, 56
Miller, Philip, 198
Miller, Samuel, 126
Milligan, Sanford F., 759
Mills, 98
Mills, C. H., 146
Mills, Charles E., 56, 143
Milroy, C. E., 120
Milroy, Donald, 120
Milroy, Harry C, 120
Milroy Homestead, The Old (view),
120
Milroy Park, 120
Milroy, Robert, 120
Milroy, Robert H., 117, 119, 121, 123,
141
Milroy township, 51, 77
Milroy, V. A., 120
Mineral Springs, 2
Mitchell, Robert C, 147
Mitten, William E., 237, 611
Modern Woodmen of America, 320
Monon Railroad, 208
Montgomery, John, 305, 322
Moody, Bessie, 343
Moody, Gideon C, 117, 123
Moore, John M., 642
Moore, Samuel, 270
Mooreman, Milton J., 266
Morgan, J. D., 265
Morlan, Charles, 143, 144
Morocco, 178, 192, 202, 203, 208, 335-
343
Morocco Courier, 341
Morocco High School (view), 336
Morocco Woman's Club, 343
Morrison, J. L., 284
Mount Ayr, 74, 202, 203, 208, 343
Murphey, George H., 596
Murphy, John, 176, 335, 336, 337
Murray, George E., 414
Murray, Henry B., 55
Murray, Hugh, 295, 618
Myers, Alexander, 198
Myers, John, 176
Myers, Mrs. John, Sr., 314
Myers, W. H., 341
Naylor, Isaac, 63
Naylor, Isaac B., 169
Neisz, Benjamin F., 236
Neisz, William, 305
Nelson, James, 192
Nelson, James M., 236
Newell, Benjamin, 526
Newell, Mrs. B. F., 314
Newspapers, 147, 158
Newton, 52, 136; platted, 137; re-
named Rensselaer, 139
Newton county, 48, 49, 168; county
seat fights, 189; courthouses, 194,
195; townships, 197; population,
201 ; real estate valuation, 203 ;
personal property valuation, 203 ;
taxable property, 203 ; finances,
203; roads, 204; railroads, 207;
judges, 209; lawyers, 212; boards
of education, 236; examiners, 236;
school superintendents, 236; physi-
cal features, 244; in the Civil war,
251; roll of honor, 272; newspa-
pers, 286
INDEX
xxm
Newton County Chronotype, 286
Newton County Courthouse (view),
196
Newton County Democrat, 287
Newton County Enterprise, 286
Newton County, Gazette, 286
Newton County Poor Farm and Asy-
lum, 196
Newton County Union, 286
Newton Lodge No. 361, F. & A. M.,
291
Newton township, 77
New York Central System, 208
Nichols, John L., 434
Nichols, Samuel E., 55
Ninety-ninth Regiment, 270
Ninth Regiment, 117
Noble, Alice, 314
Noble, W. P., 314
Noland, William, 43
Nork, John D., 55
Norris, Bertha, 343
Northwest Territory of 1787, 23
Nowels, Daniel, 42
Nowels, David, 40, 134
Nowels, Ezra C, 55
Nowels, George, 133
Nowels, John, 40, 133
Nowels, Mrs. David, 42
O'Brien, E., 192
O'Brien, Edmund H., 213
O 'Connor, John, 56
Odell, Anthony, 266
Old Mills along the Iroquois River,
(view), 138
Old Time Sawmill (view), 46
O'Meara, Sylvester, 134
One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, 272
One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Reg-
iment, 271
Oosley, Joseph, 166
O 'Riley, Dennis, 460
Ormiston, George, 629
Osborne, John L., 686
Osborne, W. Frank, 56
Osborne & Pierce, 295
Oswald, J. W., 298
Overacker, C. F., 148
Overton, Robert, 166
Overton, William, 166
Owen, R, J., 167
Owen, Samuel H., 187, 190
Palmer, C, 290
Parcels, Edgar M., 143
Parke, Benjamin, 30
Parker, Francis M., 439
Parker, George, 510
Parker, Hugh, 199
Parker, Robert, 82, 160, 166, 167
Parker, Samuel, 134
Parker, Thomas R., 43
Parker, William A., 199
Parkinson, Addison, 42, 145
Parkinson, John G., 41
Parkinson, Joseph V., 42
Parkinson, Mrs. W. K., 42
Parkinson, Robert A., 55
Parkinson, William K., 42, 83
Parkison, George B., 358
Parkison, Harvey E., 476
Parkison, William H., 476
Parkison, William K., 476
Parr, 74
Parsons, Elisha, 199
Parsons, Henry, 199
Parsons, Samuel H., 58
Patrick, William A., 199
Patterson, J. P., 299
Patterson, Rev., 316
Patton, William, 159
Paul, Henry A., 299
Paulus, Bernhard, 702
Peacock, Harriet, 260
Peacock, John, 198, 254, 276
Peacock, Sarah A., 260
Peck, Charles H., 378
Peck, C. H., 161
Peck, Daniel W., 377
Peck Family, 376
Peck, Frank L., 380
Peck, Isaac L., 380
Peck, James I., 380
Peck, Mary E., 380
Peck, Maurice B., 380
Peck, William E., 379
Peck, William H., 266
Pence, D. S., 236
People's Press, 287
Pepper, Abel C, 31, 33
Perkins, Judson II., 55, 438
Perry, J. G., 192
Persail, Albert, 55
Peters, W. S., 314
Pettit, John, 63
Pfrimmer, D. A., 197, 198
Pfrimmer, William W., 236
Phegley, David, 42
Phegley, Jackson, 42, 479
Phelps, Aaron O., 774
Phelps, Isabelle B., 775
Phelps, John W., 592
Phelps, Oscar, 276
Phillips, John, 56
Phillips, John R., 56
Phillips, Simon, 43, 56,. 134
Piankeshaws, 19
Pierce, F. O, 198
Pierson, Henry G.f 394
Pilot Grove, 179
Pioneer schools in Jasper county, 90
Pioneer times at Brook, 321
Piatt, Charles, 55, 56
Pleasant Grove postoffice, 165
XXIV
INDEX
Pleasant Ridge, 74
Plummer, William, 178
Pokagon, Simon, 33
Polke, William, 32
Ponsler, Mrs. Joshua, 314
Poole, Warren E., 518
Population, 16
Porter, Asa, 423
Porter, Burdett, 584
Porter, John C, 143
Porter, John J., 530
Porter, Rice M., 423
Porter, Robert B., 56
Porter, Walter V., 423
Postill, Charles W., 579
Post, J. C, 82
Pottawattamies, 16, 29, 30, 31, 33
Pottawattamie village, 106
Potts, James, 768
Powell, Jacob, 32
Powell, John W., 56
Powell, J. Z., 31
Powers, G. C, 156
Powers, Simeon S., 211
Prairie fires, 3, 328
Pratt, Benjamin W., 297, 505
Presbyterian Church of Kentland, 290
Presher, Edgar L., 572
Presher, Melissa W., 572
Price, Charles H., 55
Price, D. M., 43
Price, John, 49
Price, Myrt B., 56
Probate court, 64
Profit, George, 31
Property valuation, 77
Prophet, The, 26
Protsman, David A., 171, 752
Public School, Kentland (view), 280
Puett, Austin M., 242
Pulver, David, 178, 179
Pumpkin sirup, 99
Purdy, Arnet G., 766
Purkey, Alonzo, 199
Purkey, Alonzo E., 600
Railroads, 207
Rail, Harris F., 307
Ramsay, Thomas, 630
Randall, John W., 199, 286
Randle, James T., 41, 419
Randle, Edward J., 420
Randle, E. J., 146
Randle Family, 418
Randle, J. T., 42
Randle, Thomas, 41, 49, 72, 135, 163,
418
Rankin, J. J., 342
Ransford, Nettie, 318
Rapids of the Iroquois, 136
Rapids of the Rockwise, 34
Ravenscroft, Sampson, 360
Recher, L. S., 237
Reclaimed Swamp Lands (view), 81
Redding, Jefferson T., 266
Redding, Joseph, 175
Reed, Anna, 303
Reed, Ethel, 303
Reed, Nathan J., 56
Reid, John M., 289
Remington, 154-162; corporation, 156;
churches, 159
Remington Journal, 158
Remington Press, 159
Remington public library, 156
Remington township, 76
Remington's Water Tower (view),
157
Rensselaer, 52, 74, 77, 133-153, 141;
churches, 149; gets railway connec-
tions, 74; schools, 144; waterworks,
144; societies, 152
Rensselaer Baptist Church, 149
Rensselaer City, 142
Rensselaer Evening Republican, 148
Rensselaer Gazette, 147
Rensselaer High School (view), 145
Rensselaer Post No. 84, Grand Army
of the Republic, 153
Rensselaer Presbyterian Church, 149
Rensselaer Republican, 148
Rensselaer Union, 147, 148
Rensselaer 's Catholic History, 441
Retterath, Frank J., 613
Reynolds, Alfred W., 214
Reynolds, John, 254
Rhoades, Edward D., 420
Rice, Clair M., 703
Rice, Henry, 314
Rich Brothers, 295
Rich, Frank C, 198, 542
Rich, Jacob D., 303, 318, 590
Rich, Mrs. F. C, 314
Rider, George D., 193
Riley, James Whitcomb, 274
Risser, R. G., 284
Roadruck, Benjamin, 177
Roberts, Preston F., 708
Robinson, George M., 55, 56
Robinson, Wallace, 143
Robinson, William^ 134
Rockwell, Oscar B., 671
Rogers, E. E., 316
Rogers, James P., 760
Root, C, 287
Root, S., 277
Rose, William C, 212, 236, 287
Roselawn, 208, 345
Ross, Charles E., 256
Ross, William, 254, 255, 276
Roush, Edward, 195
Roush, Mary, 155
Rowen, Alexander, 43
Rural School of Today (view), 88
INDEX
XXV
Eussell, William, 170, 187, 199
Eyan, John W., 598
Eyan, Mrs. John W., 284
Sacred Heart School, 582
Sage, Charles E., 622
Sage, Eliezer W., 491
Sage, George W. T., 622
Sage, Warren W., 623
Sager, Jacob H., 255, 266
Sailor, Jeremiah, 265
St. Ange, Louis, 20
St. Augustine 's Eoman Catholic
Church, 149
St. Clair, Arthur, 24, 58
St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Kent-
land, 290
St. Joseph's College Main Building
(view), 151
St. Joseph's College, Eensselaer, 150,
442
S. S. Peter and Paul's Church, 608
Salrin, Joseph N., 664
Saltillo, 163
Saltillo Bridge, 72
Sammons, Hume L., 237, 488
Sands, Charles M., 144
Sands, Martin V., 668
Sarver, John C, 763
Saunderson, James T., 192, 213
Sawyer, James, 311
Sawyer, Moses C, 199
Sayers, Lester A., 167
Sayers, L. W., 43
Sayler, Henry, 43
Sayler, Isaac, 134, 342
Sayler, Micah, 134
Schanlaub, Sidney, 341
Schanlaub, William O., 236, 237, 578
Schmitz, John M., 581
School funds, 90
School lands, 38, 85
School Savings Bank, Goodland, 239
Schraack, Frederick, 56
Schuette, Paul, 729
Schuh, Albert J., 198,
Schuster, Godfrey F., 576
Scoonover, Albert, 214
Scott, George W., 56, 776
Scott, Washington, 776
Sears, Frank J., 56
Sego, Meddie, 722
Seifert, Augustine, 151
Sell, Edward W., 691
Sell, Ephraim, 193
Sell, John A., 494
Sellers, E. B., 214
Sergeant Jasper, 45
Sergeant Newton, 45
Service, William, 276
Seventeenth Infantry, 127
Shaefer, Joseph, 266
Shaefer, Mrs. Finley, 256, 261
Shaeffer, James, 699
Shafer, Fred, 236
Shafer, J. F., 265
Shafor, John W., 234
Shagley, J. P., 306, 307, 311
Shappley, G. D., 314
Sharp, Alexander, 170, 187, 199
Shaw, Mrs. William, 42
Shearer, Mollie, 158
Sheep, 14
Shepard, Otis, 199
Shideler, Adam, 187
Shideler, Adam W., 199
Shields & Dilley, 148
Shirer, Lewis P., 56
Shockey, William P., 149
Shortridge, Lemuel, 43
Shriver, Elijah, 170, 187
Shriver, Elijah I., 199
Shriver, Noah E., 733
Shunk, Dominic, 167
Sickafoose, C. A., 313, 314
Sigler, John A., 661
Sigo, Moses, 589
Silver, J. A., 52
Simpson, Abram, 143
Sims, Carrie M., 120
Sink, John D., 56
Sizelove, Samuel E., 199, 544
Skinner, James, 507
Skinner, Jira, 199, 265
Skinner Lola, 508
Smart, Adonijah, 255, 266
Smart, Isaac, 198, 255, 256, 266
Smart, John, 206
Smart, John W., 761
Smith, Elem G., 291
Smith, George W., 266
Smith, Henry, 134
Smith, John B., 236, 290
Smith, John L., 308
Smith, Joseph, 47, 332
Smith, Joseph A., 665
Smith, W. H., 61
Snell, T. T., 298
Snip, Tunis, 662
Snyder, A. M., 304, 312, 313, 314
Snyder, David S., 128
Snyder, H. T., 318
Soldiers Aid Society, 260
Soldiers' Aid Society, Eensselaer, 116
Sources of educational revenue, 90
Sparkling, Joseph W., 42
Sparkling, Mrs. Joseph, 42
Sparling, Henry A., 42
Sparling, Mrs. Samuel, 42
Sparling, Samuel, 42, 165
Sparling, Samuel L., 55
Spencer, James, 147
Spinney, Charles, 198
Spitler, Charles G., 143, 146, 453
Spitler, George W., 47, 51, 54, 55, 63,
90, 139, 144, 169, 175, 176
XXVI
INDEX
Spitler, Malinda, 42
Spitler, Marion L., 42, 55, 83, 451
Spitler, Thomas J., 148
Spitler, Wesley, 56
Spitler, Zechariah, 170, 175, 184, 185,
186, 187, 191, 198
Spitler 's Real Estate Gazette, 148
Spotswood, John B., 287, 288
Spottswood, James B., 212
Stackhouse, Charles F., 478
Stackhouse, Clinton D., 478
Stage routes, 204
Stanforth, C. B., 311
Stanley, Amzi, 141
Starr, Charles C, 142
State Bank of Remington, 155
State Bank of Rensselaer, 146
State government founded, 28
State judicial system, 61
State militia, 114
State road, 71
State Supreme Court upholds Newton
County, 185
State Trust and Savings Bank, 604
State Trust and Savings Bank, Good-
land, 298
Staton, Jeptha B., 728
Stearman, Sadie, 318
Steinbach, Edward, 288
Stembel, Albert F., 543
Stembel, George O., 543
Stembel, Sarah E., 544
Stephan, Joseph, 150, 167
Stephens, Albert P., 628
Sterrett, Morgan L., 167
Steward, Edgar, 730
Stewart, Mrs. Ezra, 140
Stewart, Joseph, 677
Stewrart, Sidney, 43
Stewart, William, 56
Stewart, William J., 615
Stockton, Almira M., 349
Stockton, William S., 348
Stoner, Henry, 199
Stoner, O. F., 341
Stoutsberg, 74
Strawn, Abner, 294, 295
Strech, William M., 266
Streight, A. D., 256
Strohm, H. A., 193
Strohm, Harry, 286
Strole, Asberry, 727
Stryker, Jonathan W., 197
Stump, John L., 49
Subscription schools, 86
Sullivan, J. W., 147
Surrey, 74
Swamp lands, 38, 170
Swamp lands scandal, Jasper county,
79
Swigget, Ralph, 197
Symes, John C, 58'
Taleott, William C, 209, 211
Tatman, C. H., 147
Taylor, John W., 573
Taxable property, 78
Tecumseh, 26
Terwilliger, Matthew, 63
Test, Charles E., 63
Test, Charles H., 209, 210
Thayer, 208
Thayer, E. M., 302, 345
The First Jasper County Court House
(view), 50
Thomas, Greenip I., 539
Thomas, Mrs. Harve, 256, 261
Thomas, William, 266
Thompson, Delos, 146
Thompson, John, 192
Thompson, Mrs. Alfred, 121
Thompson, Boy D., 143
Thompson, Simon P., 63, 66, 209, 214
Thompson, William O., 744
Thornton, Adaline H., 429
Thornton, C. C, 43
Thornton, George L., 56
Thornton, George B., 427
Thornton, Greenleaf L., 428
Thornton, H. C, 43
Thornton, John H., 266
Thornton, Mrs. H. C, 42
Thrawls, James C, 56
Three I 's Railroad, 74
Tiffany, G. E., 265
Tilton, John W., 56
Timmons, Clement, 43
Timmons, James T., 63
Tincher, Henry, 757
Tipton, John, 32
Tivoli, 293
Todd, John, 22
Toledo, Logansport & Burlington
Railroad Company, 74
Torbet, James M., 681
Town of Newton, 136, 137-141
Townsend, Claude B., 529
Townsend, Lowell, 530
Townsend, William, 527
Township schools, 86
Township schools, Newton county, 332
Townships formed,, 49
Trails, 204
Treadway, Ezra S., 266
Triplett, C. D., 172
Triplett, Charles E., Sr., 191, 258, 270,
421
Triplett, Charles E., Jr., 421
Troxell, Joseph R., 213
Truman, B. H., 299
Tuggle, J. M., 343
Turfler, Francis A., 430
Tucker, E. N., 316
Turkey Foot and Bull affray, 171
Turkey Foot Grove, 171
INDEX
XXVll
Turpie, David, 63
Turner, Daniel H., 649
Twelfth Cavalry, 130, 272
Twelfth Judicial Circuit, 210
Tyler, Felix, 195
Ulrey, John W. S., 199
Union township, 51, 77
United Brethren Church, Kentland,
288
United Brethren Church of the Brook
Circuit, 312
United Brethren in Christ of Morocco,
342
Urmston, E. Littell, 198, 212, 285, 291
Vail, W., 314
Vance, E. E., 302, 318
Vanderburgh, Henry, 58
Vander Voort, William S., 320
Van Bensselaer, James, 52, 137, 140
Varnum, James M., 58
.Veatch, John S., 199
View on State Street, Morocco, 341
Vincennes, 20, 22, 58
Vinton, David P., 209
Vinton, David W., 63
Vondersmith, Elkanah B., 156
Wainscott, Rev. 313
Walker, Isaac D., 684
Walker- M. H., 56
Walker township, 51, 77
Wallace, David, 32
Wallace, James, 212
Ward, Artemas, 311
Ward, Peter E., 63
Ward, Peter H., 209, 213
Warner, Charles C, 433
Warner, Charles W., 55
Warner, Daniel G., 432
Warner, Norman, 56, 149, 431
Warner, Norman H., 433
Warren, Horace J., 255
Warren, Horace K., 199, 256, 261, 266
Warren, Isaac N., 463
Warren, John W., 463
Warren, Samuel, 463
Warren, Solomon, 197
Warriner, W. B., 159
Washburn, Angus D., 285, 568
Washburn, I. B., 55
Washburn, Ira M., 435
Washburn, James A., 161, 486
Washburn, Mary, 120
Washburn, Mary E., 568
Washburn, Perry, 566
Washington township, 197, 202, 203
Wasson, John M., 145, 146
Waterworks Plant at Kentland
(view), 287
Watson, Charles M., 55
Waymire, Frederick R., 53
Waymire, Rev., 313
Weas, 19, 30
Weatherhogg, Charles R., 54
Weaver, Clifford S., 315
Weaver, Clifford T., 315
Weil, R. L., 298
Weiss, Charles R., 519
Welch, George, 587t
Welsh, Mrs. Benjamin, 43
Wenrick, Catherine, 667
West, Nathaniel, 198, 228, 236
Western county opposed, 184
Weston, Henry, 142
Whaley, James A., 195, 579
Wharton, Chester W., 290
Wheat, 3, 13
Wheatfield, 74, 77, 166
Wheatfield township, 77
Wheaton, Z. T., 198
White, Adda V., 282
White, Amos, 47
White, Charles, 725
White, Isaac, 28
White, Jacob A., 237
White, Mrs. Sherman, 314
White's Grove, 178
Whitney, E. B., 160
Wickwire, Chester, 199
Wigmore, Charles F., 288
Wildasin, John A., 199
Wild game, 92
Wild honey, 99
Wiley, J. H., 311
Wiley, Ulrick C, 63
Wiley, U. Z., 209, 214
Willard, Ashbel P., 187, 190
Willard, George L., 150
Williams, Cordelia M., 456
Williams Ditch, 221
Williams Ditch Triers, August, 1916
(view), 222
Williams, George A., 408
Williams, George W., 193
Williams, Jay W., 456
Williams, John A., 167
Williams, Joseph, 42
Williams, Thomas, 266
Williamson, Claud, 341
Willis, Levin, 133
Willits, William R., 687
Wilson, Aaron, 198
Wilson, Blake, 198
Wilson, Charles, 293
Wilson, Neely, 739
Wimsett, A., 313
Wishard, Mrs. W. W., 134
Wishard, William, 134
Wonder, Adolphus H., 257, 265
Wood, Charles A., 256, 709
Wood, Delos, 308
Wood, E. G., 149
Wood, Miles H., 289
Wood, Thomas J., 269
XXV111
INDEX
Wood, William L., 640
Woodson, Mrs. T. P., 307
Woodson, Thomas P., 307, 311
Wright, Charles G., 41
Wright, Edward W., 149
Wright, Ezra, 55
Wright, J. A., 169
Wright, Jabez, 43
Wright, Joseph A., 63
Wright, Truitt P., 56
Wright, Willis J., 54, 56
Wright, W. J., 43, 133, 136
Wyatt, H., 286
Wyatt, Nathaniel, 43
Yeoman, Allen J., 56
Yeoman, Daniel H., 41
Yeoman, David H., 83, 153, 449
Yeoman, Ira W., 43, 55, 73
Yeoman, James, 43
Yeoman, J. J., 140
Yeoman, Joseph, 40, 43, 133
Yeoman, L. D., 139
Yeoman, Samuel, 254, 255
Yeoman, Samuel E., 42, 56, 265
Zaring, Joseph, 311
Zick, Eobert, 632
Zoborosky, Sarah, 772'
Zook, Edwin D., 302
Zook, E. M., 314
Zook, S. C, 314
Zumbuelte, Mathias, 150
RURAL SCENES IN BOTH COUNTIES
Kent's Pond, Kentland Scene near Remington
Maple Walk, St. Joseph's College, Rensselaer
Stewart's Lake, Goodland Fountain Park, Remington
Jasper and Newton Counties
CHAPTER I
CO-OPERATION OF NATURE AND MAN
The Kankakee and Iroquois — Surface Geology — Mineral
Springs — Topography, Soil and Products — Moulding of
Nature by Man — What the Fires Did to Drive Out Rank
Forage — The Live Stock of Jasper County — Agriculture
and Live Stock Forty Years Ago.
The watershed between the Lake Michigan region and the Valley
of the Kankakee is about fifteen miles south of the great lake. If the
territory now included in Jasper and Newton counties should be
■classified according to the arrangements of nature it would be placed
in the great Illinois country. Its far northern sections are within a
swamp area of the Kankakee Valley and in the earlier period of its
political existence, or until the creation of Lake and Porter counties
in 1836, it contained a large area of these lowlands north of the
Kankakee. Some of its southern townships also extended into the
Valley of the Wabash, but with the formation of Benton County in
1840 the territory to be covered by this history was embraced
entirely within the Valley of the Illinois.
The Kankakee and Iroquois
The Kankakee, which is one of the leading tributaries of the Illi-
nois, rises in St. Joseph County, Northern Indiana, flows south-
west through Northwestern Indiana, receives the Iroquois in the first
tier of Illinois counties, and, after a course of about 230 miles,
enters the Illinois River above Morris. The Iroquois River, the
chief tributary of the Kankakee, drains the central and southern
portions of Jasper and Newton counties, flows southwest and west
Vol. I— 1
1
2 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
into the State of Illinois, and then turns abruptly north to the Kan-
kakee. So that Jasper and Newton counties are not only in the
broad northern Valley of the Kankakee, with its torpid waters and
marshes (many of which have been drained and converted into fer-
tile, productive lands), but within the area of the rapid-flowing and
stimulating Iroquois, along which sprung some of the first and
most permanent settlements of the region.
Surface Geology
Jasper County lies just north of the basin of the Wabash. Its
southwestern half is a gently rolling prairie of black, loamy soil,
while its northern and northeastern portions are sandy, with oak
openings and prairies, interspersed with sandy knolls and ridges.
The country is underlaid with beds of bowlder drift, which vary in
depth from twenty feet in the Valley of the Iroquois to nearly two
hundred feet at some of the higher ridges.
At Rensselaer the Iroquois flows over a bed of limestone con-
taining interesting specimens of corals and fossils. The stone is
rather cherty and not favorable to the production of lime, but a
short distance below the city it is purer and has been burned for
commercial purposes. Above Rensselaer, near the old mill dam,
thin beds of limestone raise themselves above the low banks of the
river constituting the only natural rocky exposure on the Iroquois
in Jasper County. Southeast of town is a sandstone quarry which has
been worked to some extent and a few miles north several gravel
beds, which have supplied material for roads and buildings purposes.
Mineral Springs
A number of mineral springs are found near Rensselaer, the
waters of which experience has determined to be highly medicinal.
Among them are some white sulphur springs, which, in a malarious
climate, are worthy of attention. Half a mile east of the county
seat a well that was bored to the depth of 800 feet formerly dis-
charged a large volume of sulphureted water. This well was sup-
plied from a crevice about 180 feet below the surface. Another well
in the corner of the courthouse yard that was bored with a "diamond
drill," furnished a supply of water near the surface.
Topography, Soil and Products
The divide which separates the Kankakee and Iroquois rivers is
a succession of low ridges of yellow or white sand, interspersed with
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 3
swampy valleys from ioo to 400 yards in width, indicating ancient
river channels. These numerous river beds show the extent of the
region traversed by the Kankakee and Iroquois rivers before finding
a fixed channel, when old Lake Kankakee was first drained off. The
soil in these valleys is peaty, of no great depth, and is underlaid by
a deposit of white sand. A narrow strip of deep, rich alluvial soil
from one to two miles in width along the southern margin of the
Kankakee is well timbered and highly productive. Groves and skirts
of timber are found along the water courses, the wood comprising
hickory and white and burr oak.
Wheat has not been a reliable crop, as the soil does not seem
favorable to its continuous growth. A large part of the county, also,
is nearly level, with great capacity for supporting water. What little
snow falls does not rest quietly where it settles, but is blown about
by the heavy, sweeping winds, by which the wheat plants are exposed
to the alternate thawings and freezings of February and March. Of
the fruits, grapes and apples seem to best flourish.
As to really profitable crops, hay closely follows corn, and of
live stock, both cattle and hogs are most extensively raised.
Moulding of Nature by Man
The bold topographic lines are laid down by nature, as well as
the general conditions of climate, soil and drainage, but in Jasper
County, as elsewhere, man has done much to transform the face of
nature. In that transformation fire, artificial drainage, scientific
cultivation, the denuding of original tree growth and the introduction
of new generations of plant and animal life, have made the country
immeasurably more pleasant and healthful than it was in its primi-
tive state. How these improvements on nature were accomplished
in Jasper County calls for a general backward survey.
What the Fires Did to Drive Out Rank Forage
Cultivation has wrought marked changes in this country during
the eighty years which the white man has possessed the land. What
appeared to the early settlers a dead level expanse of prairie and
swamp is now a pleasant rolling area of thrifty farms. This trans-
formation has been brought about not by physical changes, but by
the natural effects of the farmer's occupation. The open land was
originally covered with a rank growth of prairie grass ; on the high
lands the grass did not reach its normal height, while on the lower
4 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
lands its growth was of astonishing proportions, frequently reaching
a height which would hide a man on horseback, and thus would tend
to create the illusion of a perfectly level plain. In the timber lands
the change has been still more marked. The dense forests of young
growth, underbrush and saplings, did not exist fifty years ago. Then
the timber, save along the rivers, was marked only by scattered oaks
and hickories, which favoring localities preserved from the annual
fires that swept the prairies. These were started by accident from
the fires of hunters, or by the Indians, for the purpose of keeping
the timber in check, and clearing the country of the rank grass
stubble.
These fires that kept the beautiful panorama of prairie unob-
structed, although of permanent benefit, were the most to be dreaded
of all the early contingencies with which settlers had to deal. From
the time the grass would burn, which was soon after the first frost,
usually about the first of October, till the surrounding prairie was
all burnt over, or, if not all burnt, till the green grass in the spring
had grown sufficient to prevent the rapid progress of the fire, the
early settlers were continually on the watch, and as they usually
expressed the idea, "slept with one eye open." When the ground
was covered with snow, or during rainy weather, the apprehension
was quieted, and both eyes could be safely closed. A statute law
forbade setting the prairie on fire, and one doing so was subject to
penalty, and liable to an action of trespass for the damage accruing;
but convictions were seldom effected, as proof was difficult to obtain,
though there were frequent fires. Those started on the leeward side
of an improvement, while dangerous to property to the leeward, were
not so to property to the windward, as fire progressing against the
wind is easily extinguished, and the temptation to start one of these
fires for some trivial purpose was often quite irresistible.
Various means were resorted to for protection. A common one
was to plow several furrows around a strip, several rods wide, out-
side the improvements, and then burn out the inside of this strip,
or to wait until the prairie was on fire and then set fire outside of
this furrowing, reserving the inner strip for a late burn, i. e., until the
following summer, and in July burn both old grass and new. The
grass would start afresh immediately, and the cattle would feed it
close in preference to the older grass, so that the fire would not
pass over it in the following autumn. This process repeated would
soon, or in a few years, run out the prairie grass, which in time
would be replaced by blue-grass, which will not burn to any serious
extent. But all this took time and labor, and the crowd of business
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 5
on the hands of a new settler, of which a novice has no conception,
would prevent him doing what would now seem a small matter;
and even when accomplished, all such precautions often proved
futile. A prairie fire driven by a high wind would often leap such
barriers and seem to put human effort at defiance.
A prairie fire when first started goes straight forward with a
velocity proportioned to the force of the wind, widening as it goes,
Food for Prairie Fires
but the center keeping ahead ; it spreads sideways, but burning
laterally, it makes but comparatively slow progress, and if the
wind is moderate and steady, this spreading fire is not difficult to
manage, but if the wind veers a point or two, first one way and
then the other, it sends this side fire beyond control. The head
fire in dry grass and a head wind is a fearful thing, and pretty
sure to have its own way unless there is some defensible point to
6 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
meet it. A contest with such a fire requires such skill and tact
as can be learned only by experience, and a neighborhood of set-
tlers called out by such an exigency at once put themselves under
the direction of the oldest and most experienced of their number,
and go to work with the alacrity and energy of men defending
their homes and property from destruction.
The usual way of meeting advancing fires was to begin the de-
fense where the head of the fire would strike, which was calcu-
lated by the smoke and ashes brought by the wind along in advance
of fire. A road, cattle-path, or furrow is of great value at such
a place ; if there was no such, a strip of the grass was wetted down
if water could be procured, which was, however, a rather scarce
article at the time of the annual fire. On the side, nearest the com-
ing fire, of such a road or path, the grass is set on fire, which burns
slowly against the wind until it meets the coming conflagration,
which latter stops, of course, for want of fuel, provided there has
been sufficient time to burn over a strip that cannot be leaped by
the head fire as it comes in. This is called "back-firing;" but in
this method, great care must be exercised to prevent the fire getting
over the furrow or path, or whatever is used as the base of opera-
tions. If it gets in the rear of this and once under way, there is
no remedy but to fall back to a more defensible position. The head
of the fire successfully checked, the force of fire-fighters divide, part
going to the right and part to the left, and the backfiring continues
to meet the side fires as they come up. This must be continued
until the fire is checked along the entire front of the premises
endangered, and the sides secured.
Various implements were used to put out a side or back fire,
or even the head of a fire in a moderate wind. A fence board,
four to six feet long, with one end shaved down for a handle, was
very effective when struck flat upon the narrow strip of fire. A
bundle of hazel brush, a spade or shovel was often used with
effect. The women frequently lent their aid, and dextrously wielded
the mop, which, when thoroughly wet, proved a very efficient weapon,
especially in extinguishing a fire in the fence. When the fire over-
came all opposition, and seemed bound to sweep over the settle-
ment, a fear of personal loss would paralyze, for the moment, every
faculty, and as soon as the danger seemed imminent, united effort
ceased, and each one hastened to defend his own as best he could.
It is due to historical truth to say that actual losses were much less
than might have been expected, though frequently quite severe.
The physical efforts made in extinguishing a dangerous fire, and
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 7
protecting one's home from this devouring element, were of the
most trying nature, not infrequently resulting fatally. '
The premises about the residence and* yards being trampled
down by the family and domestic animals, after a year or two became
tolerably safe from fire, but the fences, corn and stubble fields were
often attacked. When the open land was all fenced and under
cultivation, so that these fires were a thing of the past, the residents
of the prairie were happily released from the constant apprehen-
sion which for years had disturbed their peace by night and caused
anxiety by day, though the early settlers still retain vivid recollec-
tions of the grand illuminations nightly exhibited in dry weather,
from early fall to late spring, by numberless prairie fires. The
whole horizon would be lighted up around its entire circuit. A
heavy fire six or seven miles away would afford sufficient light in
a dark night to enable one to read fine print. When a fire had
passed through the prairie, leaving the long lines of side fires like
two armies facing each other, the sight at night was sublime, and
if one's premises were securely protected, and he could enjoy the
exhibition without apprehension, it was a sight well worth going far
to see.
The Live Stock of Jasper County.
From the first it was evident to the county's pioneers who had
come into the country with any experience of live stock raising that
the rich bottom lands of the Kankakee, when properly drained, as
well as the more accessible sections along the Iroquois, in the south,
were destined to become an admirable region for the breeding and
care of cattle, horses and hogs. Its farmers, with very few excep-
tions, have never striven to cultivate blooded stock, but have endeav-
ored to produce those varieties which were most useful and profit-
able for the home and as accessories to agricultural progress. It
was years before any of the early settlers attempted to raise more
cattle, horses or hogs than would be required for household con-
sumption or the operation of the farm. But by the '50s consider-
able progress had been made toward the raising of live stock in
commercial quantities, as will be evident by reading the following
article, originally published in the Rensselaer Gazette during 1858:
"As a grazing country, we scarcely have an equal, and cannot be
easily surpassed. Grass grows here in rich abundance, and truly,
cattle are made to 'lie down in green pastures.' This fact is well
known to many cattle raisers, who are in the habit of bringing their
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
■■■■■
Jasper County Live Stock
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 9
cattle two or three days' drive every spring, that they may luxuriate
on our rich pasture, and drink of our cooling streams. Some of the
finest cattle that go from grass to market go from this county.
"Beef cattle have commanded the attention and capital of farm-
ers to a greater extent than any other stock in this branch of rural
labor. Horses, swine, sheep and asses have each occupied more
or less time, but more capital has been devoted to cattle than to any
of the others.
"Dairies, except with a very few farmers, have been a secondary
object. Butter-making has not been made a serious branch of
business. No attention has been paid to it, except by families for
private use, or to supply the limited trade with the villages of the
county, and even this has been very inconsiderable, because almost
every villager keeps a cow during the summer season.
"There has not yet been any general system of cattle-raising
adopted from deliberate or scientific trial by farmers of this county.
Each individual has acted upon the scheme suggested by his own
judgment or fancy, or such as the state of improvement or the
natural features of his own particular location has afforded, or his
own particular case has dictated.
"Numerous breeds of cattle have been raised in this county.
Herds have been purchased abroad and raised and fatted here.
But little or no attention has been given to the fineness or firmness
of the texture of the beef, the color of the flesh, or the odor or
flavor of the meat, or the peculiar frame of the animal, but that
breed would undoubtedly receive the preference which will attain
the greatest weight of carcass in the shortest time, and with the
least labor, and, what is of not less importance, they should be of
a hardy variety, able to stand the greatest degree of cold and extreme
exposure in winter on inferior food, without shelter.
"In selling, the practice has been to sell for so much per hundred
pounds, live weight. Drovers have been offered so much per hun-
dred and raisers have accepted the bid, and driven their cattle from
the grass onto the scales, or themselves taken them to market where
the same or similar result was achieved.
"A few only have packed the beef of their own raising or even
of their own fattening, and where any have had it packed on their
own account, it has generally been done at some larger towns out
of the county, at Lafayette, Chicago, or some other city, the butcher
furnishing barrels, salt, cutting the meat, and packing it, for the
hide, head, shanks and tallow as payment. In this case the drover
must of course, await the action of the market before he can realize.
10 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
In some instances, advances are made by the consignees, but what-
ever has been the final arrangement of drovers and packers, cattle
have always commanded cash in hand to the growers and fatteners,
though there has been but little competition among buyers, drovers
generally giving their own prices.
"The general practice in raising cattle has been either to keep
breeding cows, and let the calves run with them on the open prairie
in summer, throwing the herd a handful of salt once or twice a
week, and taking care, either by an employed herdsman or by occa-
sional supervision, that they do not wander too far from the proper
range. This is the only expense during seven and a half months in
the year, from the middle of April to December.
"A very few, if any, calves are ever slaughtered in Jasper County
for their veal. Those who do not wish to winter their calves find
a market among their neighbors in the fall, at from $4 to $6 per
head. After the grass of the prairies has been killed down by the
frosts of autumn, the calves are generally separated from the larger
cattle, and kept up in an inclosure, in some part of which is an open
shed, built of logs or rails, and covered with a pile of straw or coat-
ing of prairie hay, and there fed on prairie hay, with a small daily
allowance of ears of Indian corn or meal. Some keep them on corn
fodder, which has been cut and shocked up in the fall, or turn them
into stock-fields ; that is, fields where the ears of corn have been
gathered, and the stalks left standing, or more recently, since tame
grasses have been cultivated, feed them on timothy, blue-grass or
clover, during a portion of the winter.
"In some cases, calves are exposed throughout the winter to all
changes of weather, with no shelter besides what is offered by a
clump of brush or glade of timber. It is not surprising that with
such neglect, many calves perish and die before the end of the first
winter. Others that survive get on the 'lift,' or have the 'hollow-
horn,' or 'wolf,' or some other disease, the result of starvation and
exposures. Very few, if any, calves in this county are ever kept
in a thriving condition, much less in a fat condition, during the first
winter they are kept. But as soon as spring opens they are again
turned out upon the prairies. Here, in a few weeks, the whole
appearance is changed. The old hair falls off, and is replaced by
a new and smooth coat. In a short time they become fat, and
before the ensuing fall they usually attain the size of two-year-old
stock that is raised on timber lands. In this condition they are
brought to another winter, in which they fare no better than during
the first. They are now kept without shelter, many of them without
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 11
grain, and fed on hay, which costs about $1.50 per ton in the stack.
It is seldom that any of them die during- the second winter, although
it would appear strange to a New England farmer that any of them
should live through. Heifers with calf at this age — and most of
them come in at two years old — need some grain to do well, especially
when they come in early, but steers and other stock, if they have
only enough coarse feed, get through without difficulty. Early in
the succeeding summer and fall the two-year-olds are ready for
market.
"The average value of such cattle, during the last four or five
years, has been from $15 to $17 a head in the spring and from $2.75
to $3 per cwt., live weight, in the summer and fall. Notwithstand-
ing the loss of some calves and some older cattle, the last two hard
winters, stock raising has been considered profitable, and some have
realized handsome profits from it."
From the same writer we take the following on the subject of
horses: ''With horses, as with everything else, the middling good,
tolerably cheap, every-day-article, is of more general usefulness
than any others. If they are very inferior, whether vicious, unsafe,
balky or tender, their services will not pay for their keeping. If a
horse is expensive or high-priced, few can afford to invest their
capital in him. A large majority of people have all they can do
to live comfortably from year to year. We cannot afford to try
experiments, or risk our means in uncertain enterprises. We know
that the dearest horses are not the most useful to us; that, in our cir-
cumstances, fancy horses and fast horses are not what we most
need. We have three purposes for which we want horses, i. e.,
for draught, for travel and for sale.
"First. We want horses to assist in plowing our lands and
raising produce ; to take our grain to mill and market ; to haul our
wood, and to take our families to worship on Sunday. This is our
common business. For this we do not need fast horses, but com-
pact, well-built horses that possess the powers of endurance; horses
that will keep in good working condition in winter on hay and a
moderate share of grain, with indifferent shelter.
"Second. We need horses for herding on the open prairies.
Here we need an occasional test of speed, although not great nor
long continued, for it does not demand a horse of extra dispatch
or bottom to outrun a cow or ox.
"Third, for sale. Several farmers have entered pretty extensively
into this branch of grazing, and some have made money at the busi-
ness. There has been a steady home market for common draught
12 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
horses at good prices, and a foreign market at great prices for horses
of extra quality.
"Our colts are mostly bred from mares that are occasionally
worked throughout the year, and pastured on the prairie in the sum-
mer. On the approach of winter, the colts are weaned, fed some
grain with straw or hay, and sheltered during the hardest weather,
and have no other care. They usually look pretty thin and squalid
toward spring. They are generally 'broken' in the second or third
year, and by the fourth year are put to hard service. Good geldings
then bring from $100 to $125. A few horses of extra quality have
sold for fancy prices. The care bestowed on colts is but little more
than that devoted rearing calves, and at four years of age the ox
may be worth $40, while a colt at the same age rates at $100. Why
has not more capital been invested in this business? Not over
one-half, probably not over one-third, annually, of the brood mares
in the county have colts. Not half the farmers who keep mares
ever raise a colt.
"One reason is directed against the business itself, i. e., that
the business opens the door to dissipation, and while it pays well,
it is subject to many excitements and tempts to great risks.
"Another reason is, men who have made a moderate income by
raising a few common colts annually, have been too often led to
try the fancy breed, by which they have changed the character of
their associates, fallen under the influence of backlegs and sharpers,
run into idleness, betting, racing and gambling, and in the end lost
both their character and property. Men judge that a business liable
to such results is not safe, and shun it.
"Another reason is, there is personal danger in it. Many care-
ful men neither wish to break colts nor have they sons to do it.
They therefore raise only just what is needed for their own serv-
ices ; and as a span of horses will last for from seven to nine years,
after they have come to a working age, their wants do not require
continued attention to the business, and they decline it.
"There is another objection that influences some. Horses, like
other stock, are liable to die, and careful farmers do not care to risk
so much value in a single animal. It is necessary to keep them
in good condition throughout the year, to insure their profitable sale
when the market favors their disposal, and this involves a consider-
able expense generally overlooked in making a computation of the
expenses of the business.
"But the principal objection to breeding blooded stock of this
description is that the business requires more capital than the ordi-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 13
nary farmer is able to invest until the profits can be realized. To
be successful, the breeder needs good stalls, tame pastures, good
fences and plenty of help to give the stock all necessary care. With
all these accessories, the event is at best uncertain. Not one colt
in a hundred will bring an extraordinary price.- Horses noted for
beauty, force or speed, have not always reproduced their like, and
even when they do the owner of the colt, unless prepared to expend
a costly school of training upon it, is likely to discover the fact only
after it has passed from his possession.
"We have in Jasper County the names of all the noted horses
in the land, and the names of all the breeds; but we have neither
the stock nor the means at present of producing it, and while we
frequently find valuable horses, both under the saddle and harnessed
to the plow, we have never yet seen here a first-class horse."
Agriculture and Live Stock Forty Years Ago
Horace E. James, secretary of the agricultural society at Rens-
selaer, reported as follows in 1879, twenty years after the preceding
survey : Last winter was favorable to the growth of fall-sown wheat ;
the spring helped its development ; insects did not ravage it nor
summer storms do it damage, and at harvest time a good, well-
matured crop was found, which was saved in fine condition. Gen-
erally, however, wheat has not been a reliable crop in this locality.
Systematic draining, by means of open ditches and of tile, and liberal
coatings of coarse manure, applied before the middle of February,
may solve the problem of successful wheat culture upon light and
loamy soils and flat surfaces, such as are to be seen with us. At
least those farmers who have experimented in this direction are
greatly encouraged by the results that have invariably followed such
treatment. The wheat crop of Jasper County in 1879 's estimated
at double that of any former year, being more than enough to supply
the home demand.
"Small fruits, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, are not
extensively cultivated, although both soil and climate are favorable ;
grapes do well with us, the commoner kinds being hardy and yield-
ing sure crops of good fruit. Producers are only beginning to
cultivate them as they merit. Vines bore abundantly this year.
"Some varieties of pears may be grown with moderate returns
only. Peaches and quinces winter-kill badly. Plums suffer too much
from the ravages of the curculio ever to be popular. Apples do
well usually. The exhibition of this fruit at our fair this season
14 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
was remarkably fine. The perfection of specimens equaled any
that were shown at the State Fair.
"Quite an interest has developed in Jasper County within a
year or two in the breeding of poultry. An association has been
organized, and several gentlemen lay claim to the title of fowl-
fanciers.
"Ours is emphatically a cattle and hog producing district, and
probably more attention has been paid to the improvement of these
classes of live stock than to any of the other branches of husbandry.
The great desire has been to produce beef to the neglect of milkers,
hence short-horn breeders have been favorites with cattle-raisers.
Recently a few Jerseys have been introduced, but thus far have not
been looked upon with that degree of favor which is calculated to
increase the enthusiasm of those who have invested their money in
them for the purpose of breeding.
"Large herds (report of 18S1) of cattle are less frequently
met than in earlier days. I do not mean that fewer cattle are bred
and fed here, but they are scattered around more generally, not
kept together in large bunches, as in the days before the county
was so thickly inhabited, and before so much of the land was
inclosed by fences. The breed has been greatly improved by sepa-
ration, better care, better feed, and the introduction of improved
blood. The improvement has, however, been altogether in the direc-
tion of beef-making. There are few, if any, good milkers or butter
producers to be found in our pastures.
"In no former year was there so much good hay, both cultivated
and wild, put into stock. Tons by the thousands were not even
moistened by dew. It has commanded satisfactory prices. Next
to corn and not much behind, either, is the hay in importance with
us. Much of it is fed on the ground, but there is also an impor-
tant industry in baling and shipping it, which has sprung up within
a few years.
"After cattle, hay and corn, come hogs in point of importance.
Our breeds are Berkshire, Poland-China and Jersey Red, with a
decided preference for the first named, either pure breed, crossed
or common grade.
"Sheep hold a modest position. No large flocks are kept, but
many farmers own from a dozen to thirty or fifty. The long-wool
breeds and their crosses with the natives are the favorites. There
are occasional thoroughbred animals, but the object seems to be
to grow mutton rather than wool.
"Our horses are chiefly what may be called general-purpose
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 15
animals. The introduction of the Norman and the Clydesdale
breeds has made the stock on many farms much more serviceable
and marketable than previous to their advent. The quarter crosses
of these large breeds upon scrubs are excellent horses for general
purposes. There are, however, a few flyers owned in the county,
some of which are known to the race courses of three or four
States, and boast genealogies recorded in the stud book, but no
breeding is done for the special object of speed.
"A decided change for the better is perceivable each succeeding
year in the method which farmers employ for the tiling of the soil
and the cultivation of crops. The land is better and more sys-
tematically worked than formerly. There is a manifest desire to
learn and adopt improvements. There is a growing taste for litera-
ture treating upon farm topics. In brief, there seems to be more
mind-work combined with hand work. Several tile factories are
finding employment in the solution of the problem of systematic
draining. A butter factory or creamery of the capacity of 1,000
pounds of butter daily has lately been built at the county seat, which
is doing a good paying business, while opening up a new field to the
vision of stock breeders. Orchards and vineyards are being planted,
and, what is more to the purpose, are being cared for with a thought
to their ultimate value as a source of revenue."
CHAPTER II
CONFLICTS OF WHITES AND REDS
The Miamis Tamed by the Iroquois — Labors of French Mis-
sionaries and Traders — French Indiana — Indiana Under
British Rule — Uncertain French Titles to Lands — Ruled
from Canada and Virginia — In the County of Illinois —
Part of Northwest Territory — Indiana Territory — Gen-
eral Harrison, Father of Indiana — Tecumseh and the
Prophet — The Battle of Tippecanoe — Founding of the
State Government — Miami and Pottawattamie Titles Ex-
tinguished— Pottawattamie Villages in Jasper County —
No Evidences of Permanent Prehistoric Settlements.
The lowlands of the Kankakee, alive with water fowl and musk-
rats, and teeming with fish, were favorite resorts both of the Indians
and French and English trappers from the earliest times of which
there are records. But the waters were difficult to navigate, no
great land trails followed its courses, such as crossed the country
nearer Lake Michigan or along the more navigable Valley of the
Wabash to the south. Within the area of what is usually called
Northwestern Indiana the main lines of travel both for Indians
and whites, in the times of the French dominion, either crossed
the immediate region of the great lakes or paralleled the water
courses embraced in the Ohio River system. But although the Kan-
kakee region was somewhat away from the greater routes of travel,
by both land and water, it is believed that the great, tireless and
almost ubiquitous La Salle explored it during the later period of his
career.
The Miamis Tamed by the Iroquois
In the time of La Salle the country now embraced within the
limits of the State of Indiana was inhabited by the Miami Confed-
eration of Indians, of which the Pottawattamies were the most
16
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 17
powerful tribe northwest of the Wabash. The Iroquois, or Five
Nations of the East, were their inveterate and hereditary enemies,
and the river which bears their name in Jasper and Newton coun-
ties, as well as the Illinois county just over the state line, are evi-
dences of their fierce western incursion, which was finally stemmed
by La Salle and the western tribes which he consolidated against
them. But for twenty-five years after his assassination in 1687 until
the early part of the eighteenth century the Ohio and lakes regions
claimed by France were not safe from the invasions of the Five
Nations, the allies of the English.
As stated by Dr. William S. Haymond in his "History of
Indiana :" "In 1670, and for many years previous, the fertile region
of country now included within the boundaries of the state of
Indiana was inhabited by the Miami Confederation of Indians. This
league consisted of several Algonquin tribes, notably the Twightwees,
Weas, Piankeshaws and Shockeys and was formed at an early
period — probably in the early part of the seventeenth century — for
the purpose of repelling the invasions of the Iroquois, or Five
Nations, at whose hands they had suffered many severe defeats.
By the frequent and unsuccessful wars in which they were com-
pelled to engage in self-defense their numbers had been greatly
reduced until, at the date mentioned, they could not muster more
than fifteen hundred or two thousand warriors. They dwelt in
small villages on the banks of the various rivers in Indiana and
extended their dominion as far east as the Scioto, north to the Great
Lakes and west to the country of the Illinois. Their principal settle-
ments were scattered along the headwaters of the Great Miami, the
banks of the Maumee, the St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, the Wabash
and its tributaries. Although once important among the nations
of the Lake Region they had become greatly demoralized by
repeated defeats in war, and when first visited by the French their
villages presented a very untidy appearance. They were living in
constant terror of the Five Nations, practicing only sufficient indus-
try to prevent starvation and indulging all their vicious passions to
a vulgar extreme.
Labors of French Missionaries and Traders
"Almost immediately after the discovery and exploration of the
Mississippi by La Salle in 1682, and a few years later by James Mar-
quette, the government of France began to encourage the policy of
connecting its possessions in North America by a chain of fortifica-
18 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
tions, trading posts and missionary stations, extending from New
Orleans on the southwest to Quebec on the northwest. This under-
taking was inaugurated by Lamotte Cadillac, who established Fort
Pontchartrain on the Detroit river in 1701.
"At this period the zealous Jesuit missionaries, the adventurous
French fur traders with their coarse blue and red cloths, fine scarlet,
guns, powder, balls, knives, ribbons, beads, vermilion, tobacco and
rum; the careless rangers, or coureurs des bois, whose chief vocation
was conducting the canoes of the traders among the lakes and rivers,
made their appearance among the Indians of Indiana. The pious
Jesuits held up the cross of Christ and unfolded the mysteries of
the Catholic religion in broken Indian to the astonished savages,
while the speculating trader offered them fire water and other articles
of merchandise in exchange for their peltries, and the rangers,
shaking loose every tie of blood and kindred, identified themselves
with the savages and sank into utter barbarism."
The Jesuit missionaries were always cordially received by the
Miami tribes. These Indians would listen patiently to the theory of
the Saviour and salvation, manifest a willing belief in all they heard,
and then, as if to entertain their visitors in return, would tell them
the story of their own simple faith in the Manitous, and stalk off
with a groan of dissatisfaction because the missionaries would not
accept their theory with equal courtesy. Missionary stations were
established at an early day in all the principal villages and the work
of instructing and converting the savages was begun in earnest. The
order of religious exercises established at the missions among the
Miamis was nearly the same as that among the other Indians. Early
in the morning the missionaries would assemble the Indians at the
church, or the hut used for the purpose, and after prayers the sav-
ages were taught concerning the Catholic religion. These exercises
were always followed by singing, at the conclusion of which the
congregation was dismissed, the Christians only remaining to take
part at mass. This service was generally followed by prayers. Dur-
ing the forenoon the priests were generally engaged in visiting the
sick and consoling those who were laboring under any affliction.
After noon another service was held in the church, at which all the
Indians were permitted to appear in their finery and where each,
without regard to rank or age, answered the questions put by the
missionary. This exercise was concluded by singing hymns, the
words of which had been set to airs familiar to the savage ear. In
the evening all assembled again at the church for instruction, to hear
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 19
prayers and to sing their favorite hymns. The Aliamis were always
nigniy pleased with the latter exercise.
Aside from the character of the religious services which con-
stituted a chief attraction in the Miami villages of Indiana while the
early French missionaries were among them, the traveler's attention
would hrst be engaged with the peculiarities of the fur trade, which
during the hrst quarter of the eighteenth century was monopolized
by the French. This traffic was not confined to those whose wealth
enabled them to engage vessels, canoes and traders, for there were
hundreds scattered through the various Indian villages of Indiana at
almost any time during the first half of the eighteenth century, who
carried their packs of merchandise and furs by means of leather
straps suspended from their shoulders, or with the straps resting
againt their foreheads.
Rum and brandy were freely introduced by the traders and always
found a ready sale among the Miami Indians. A Frenchman, writ-
ing of the evils which resulted from the introduction of spirituous
liquors among these savages, remarked: "The distribution of it is
made in the usual way ; that is to say, a certain number of persons
have delivered to each of them a quantity sufficient to get drunk with,
so that the whole have been drunk over eight days. They begin to
drink in the villages as soon as the sun is down, and every night the
fields echo with the most hideous howling."
In those early days the Miami villages of the Maumee, those of
the Weas about Ouiatenon on the Wabash, and those of the Pianke-
shaws around Yincennes were the central points of the fur trade in
Indiana, to which large contributions were made by the Indians and
trappers of the Kankakee and Beaver Lake regions, in what are now
Jasper and Newton counties. Trading posts were established at the
Miami villages mentioned and at Fort Wayne, in 17 19, although for
twenty years previously the French traders and missionaries had
frequently visited them. A permanent church or mission was es-
tablished at the Piankeshaw village near Vincennes in 1749, and in
the following year a small fort was erected there by order of the
French government. It was in that year that another small fort
was erected near the mouth of the Wabash River. These posts soon
drew a large number of French traders around them, and in 1756
they had become quite important settlements, with a mixed popula-
tion of French and Indian.
At this date the English became competitors for the trade with
the Indiana Indians and those of the surrounding country, and at the
close of the old French war, in 1763, when Canada and its de-
20 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
pendencies fell into the hands of the British, this monopoly passed
to the visitors. Notwithstanding this change in the government of
the country, the French who had settled around the principal trading
posts in Indiana, with a few exceptions, swore allegiance to the
British government and were permitted to occupy their lands in
peace and enjoy the slight improvements they had wrought.
French Indiana
The post, or the old post — later known as Vincennes — was es-
tablished in 1727, and until after the Revolutionary war was the
only white settlement in Indiana, although French forts were estab-
lished both at the head of the Maumee and at Ouiatenon — the latter
on the Wabash, about eighteen miles below the mouth of the Tippe-
canoe. The post at Ouiatenon is claimed to be the first of its kind
in Indiana and dated from 1720. From its settlement until it was
finally transferred to Great Britain, Vincennes was under the juris-
diction of New Orleans, although its trade was largely with Canada.
It was in command of a governor, Sieur de Vincennes holding that
office from the founding of the post until his death in 1736. Dur-
ing that period, therefore, Indiana was under the direct jurisdiction
of Governor Vincennes, and indirectly, of New Orleans and
Versailles.
Indiana Under British Rule
Vincennes was killed in battle with the Indians at the mouth
of the Ohio in 1736. and Louis St. Ange commanded Old Vin-
cennes until 1764, or a short time before it was finally surrendered
to the British. In May of that year, about six months previous to
the proclamation of General Gage, the British commander-in-chief
in North America, announcing the cession of the country of the
Illinois to His Britannic Majesty, St. Ange appointed his successor to
the command of the old postand started for Fort Chartres to relieve
the commandant at that post, who was on his way to New Orleans.
For nearly thirty years he had led and governed the people of Old
Vincennes.
On the 10th of October, 1765, St. Ange made a formal delivery
of Fort Chartres to Captain Sterling, representing the British govern-
ment. That military center of the Illinois country became the first
semi-civil seat of government established northwest of the Ohio
and included the territory constituting the present State of Indiana.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 21
Captain Sterling in turn received his orders from General Gage,
whose headquarters were at New York, the British seat of colonial
government in North America.
Fort Chartres was a very unhealthful place and Captain Sterling
lived only three months after taking possession. In September, 1768,
Lieutenant-Colonel Reed, in command, set up a sort of civil govern-
ment for the Illinois country. Its main feature consisted of seven
judges, who constituted the first court west of the Alleghanies and
retained authority until 1774, when the British Parliament restored
civil law in full force.
Uncertain French Titles to Lands
The steps leading to the formal assumption of the civil adminis-
tration of the territory embracing Indiana by the Canadian authori-
ties, with Quebec as the seat of the dominion government, are thus
described: "The arbitrary act of General Gage, in 1772, in ordering
all the whites to immediately vacate the Indian country, aroused the
settlers and they at once vigorously protested. They declared they
held the title to their lands from officers of the French government,
who had a right to convey such titles, and that when the French
government transferred the territory to the English their rights were
duly protected by the treaty of cession. Gage was autocratic and
determined, and on the receipt of this remonstrance he ordered that
all written titles to the possession of the lands should be forwarded
to him at New York for examination. The inhabitants were a
careless set and mainly ignorant, had failed to properly care for the
written evidence of the grants made to them, and many of the papers
had been left in the hands of the notary who had drawn them. They
never dreamed of any question ever being raised as to their right
to the lands they were occupying, and had been occupying for nearly
half a century. So it was that this last order of Gage fell like a
thunderbolt upon the poor inhabitants. Some deeds were found,
but many more could not be found. An appeal was made to St.
Ange at St. Louis. He responded by reciting that he had held com-
mand of the post (Vincennes) from 1736 to 1764, and that during
that time, by order of the governors, he had conceded many parcels
of land to various inhabitants by written concessions, and had verbally
permitted others to settle and cultivate lands, of which they had
been in possession for many years. Other officers certified that
many deeds had been carried away, others removed to the record
office of the Illinois (at Fort Chartres), and still others had been
22 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
lost or destroyed by rats. But the British government had already
heard the muttering of discontent in the eastern colonies and did not
want to add to the embarrassments at other points, and in 1774
the whole territory northwest of the Ohio was put under 'the domin-
ion of Canada."
Ruled from Canada and Virginia
When the Illinois country, or the territory northwest of the
Ohio, was transferred from France to Great Britain about a decade
previously, the entire population did not exceed 600 families, or
perhaps 4,000 people, and when it came under the dominion of
Canada it was considerably less, as many of the inhabitants had
gone to St. Louis, New Orleans and other points in Louisiana.
The British took possession of Vincennes in May, 1777, but it
was captured by the Americans in August of the following year
by Gen. George Rogers Clark, and became forever a possession of
the United States.
During the Revolutionary war no British or American settle-
ments were made within the limits of Indiana, although when
General Clark was in authority at Vincennes a number of Ameri-
cans were added to the post settlement, and the Indians ceded to
the commandant himself 150,000 acres of land around the falls
of the Ohio River, which grant was afterward confirmed by Vir-
ginia and the National Congress. As an energetic Kentuckian. and
an able, brave man of military genius, backed by the Old Dominion
and the statesmanship of Patrick Henry, then governor of Virginia,
General Clark was admirably fitted to be the conqueror of the
Northwest, whether fighting against the British or the Indians.
In the County of Illinois
In 1778, when the news of Clark's capture of Vincennes and
Kaskaskia reached Virginia, its assembly passed a law organizing
all the territory northwest of the Ohio into the County of Illinois
and placing Col. John Todd in control as county lieutenant. Kas-
kaskia was the seat of government, and Indiana again came under
a new administration centering ultimately at Richmond, Virginia.
Todd arrived at his capital in May, 1779, and at once commenced
his administration as county lieutenant, leaving Clark free to pursue
his military enterprises ; but he himself was killed at the battle of
Blue Licks in 1782. Although by statute the organization known
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
23
as the County of Illinois had expired in 17S1, its civil officers con-
tinued to exercise power and grant land concessions until the pas-
sage of the ordinance of 1787.
Part of the Northwest Territory
We now approach the period of stable American Government,
when the United States as a nation extended its jurisdiction to the
The Northwest Territory of 1787
County of Illinois and the territory northwest of the Ohio River.
That immense domain was claimed by Virginia by right of con-
quest, but in January, 1783, the General Assembly of the Old
24 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Dominion, in the interests of the United States, ceded to the National
Congress all its rights, titles and claims to that great land. The
Virginia deed of cession was accepted by Congress in the spring of
1784, and in July, 1788, Gen. Arthur St. Clair, who had been elected
by Congress governor of the Northwest Territory under the famous
ordinance of the previous year, arrived at Marietta, Ohio, to take
over the civil administration of the national domain now included
within the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wiscon-
sin. At that time, therefore, the future Hoosier State was governed
indirectly from Philadelphia and directly from Marietta, the terri-
torial capital.
Until Indiana was organized as a territory in 1800, there were
few settlements within the limits of the present state. In 1798,
under the provisions of the ordinance creating the Northwest Terri-
tory, which provided for civil government when its population
should number 5,000 free inhabitants, a popular assembly was
elected to represent the Northwest, and in January, 1799, convened
at Cincinnati, whither the seat of government had been moved from
Marietta. Ten members of the upper house, or council, were then
appointed by President Adams, upon recommendation of the elected
assembly, and when the two bodies met at the new territorial capital
in September, 1799. a near approach to popular government had
been effected in the territory northwest of the Ohio River.
Indiana Territory
The Legislature selected as the territorial delegate to Congress,
William Henry Harrison, who was filling the position of secretary
of the Northwest Territory. The new government was hardly under
way before the tremendous domain over which it had jurisdiction
underwent its first carving under authority of the ordinance of 1787.
By act of Congress, approved May 7, 1800, it was declared that
"from and after the fourth of July next, all that part of the territory
of the United States northwest of the Ohio river which lies to the
westward of a line beginning at the Ohio opposite the mouth of the
Kentucky river and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence
north until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United
States and Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government,
constitute a separate territory to be called the Indiana Territory."
The seat of government was fixed at Vincennes and William Henry
Harrison was appointed governor. He reached Vincennes in Jan-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 25
uary, 1801, the gubernatorial duties having been performed since the
preceding July by John Gibson, secretary of the territory.
The judges and juries were soon in action, and in July, 1805,
the first Legislature of the Territory of Indiana met at Vincennes.
At that time, Indiana had been shorn of Michigan for about six
months and in 1809 Illinois was carved away, leaving its territory
as at present.
Governor Harrison, Father of Indiana
Governor and General Harrison is acknowledged to be the father
of a settled and secure Indiana. Within five years from the time he
assumed control of affairs, both civil and military, he had perfected
treaties with the Indians, securing cessions to 46,000 square miles
of territory, including all the lands lying on the borders of the Ohio
River, between the mouth of the Wabash River and the western
boundary of the State of Ohio. At the same time, in co-operation
with the Legislature, he guided the revision and improvement of
the territorial statutes, and at his recommendation Congress estab-
lished several land offices. In 1804 three were opened — at Detroit,
Vincennes and Kaskaskia, respectively— and in 1807 a fourth,
Jeffersonville, Clark County.
But despite treaties and the protection of the National Govern-
ment, personified by such a rugged character as Harrison, the origi-
nal lords of the soil continued to show just causes for uneasiness
and indignation. Even the governor, in his 1806 message to the
Legislature, remarked that they were already making complaints,
some of them far from groundless. While the laws of the territory
provided for the same punishment for offenses committed against
Indians as against white men, unhappily there was always a wide
difference in the execution of those laws. The Indian was, in all
cases, the sufferer. That partiality did not escape their observation.
On the contrary, it afforded them an opportunity of making strong
comparisons between their own observance of treaties and that of
their boastful superiors.
During the period from 1805 to 1810, especially, the Indians
complained bitterly against the encroachments of the whites upon
the lands which they had not ceded. Not only the invasion of their
favorite hunting grounds, but the unjustifiable killing of many of
their people, were frequent charges which they brought to the atten-
tion of Harrison. An old chief, in laying the troubles of his people
before the governor, said earnestly: "You call us your children;
why do you not make us as happy as our fathers, the French, did?
26 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
They never took from us our lands ; indeed, they were in common
between us. They planted where they pleased; and they cut wood
where they pleased; and so did we. But now, if a poor Indian
attempts to take a litle bark from a tree to cover him from the rain,
up comes a white man and threatens to shoot him, claiming the tree
as his own."
Tecumseh and the Prophet
All such complaints found voice in Tecumseh and his brother, the
Prophet ; the one playing upon the superstitions and passions of the
Indians, and the other organizing them into a strong confederacy
which was to control the disposition of lands, instead of allowing
them to be ceded by separate and disunited tribes. Both in 1808 and
1809 the Prophet visited Harrison at Vincennes to assure him of
his friendliness and to protest against the charge that he and Tecum-
seh were in league with the British. In the later part of the year
1809 it was estimated that the total quantity of land ceded to the
United States under treaties which had been effected by the governor
exceeded 30,000,000 acres ; and all these cessions were accomplished
in direct opposition to the influence of Tecumseh and the Prophet ;
but the break between these powerful leaders of the white and the
red races was at hand.
In July, 1810, Governor Harrison made an attempt to gain the
friendship of the Prophet by sending him a letter offering to treat
with him personally in the matter of his grievances, or to furnish
means to send him, with three of his principal chiefs, to the Presi-
dent at Washington. The bearer of this letter was coldly received
by both Tecumseh and the Prophet, and the only answer he received
was that Tecumseh, in a few days, would visit Vincennes and inter-
view the governor; this he did, with seventy of his principal warriors,
in the following month. For over a week conferences were carried
on with the haughty Shawnee chief, who on the 20th of August de-
livered an ultimatum to Harrison, to the effect that he should return
their lands or fight.
While the governor was replying to Tecumseh's speech, the In-
dian chief angrily interrupted him to declare, that the United States
Government, through General Harrison, had "cheated and imposed
on the Indians." Whereupon, a number of the Indian warriors pres-
ent sprang to their feet and brandished their clubs, tomahawks and
spears. The governor's guards, who stood a short distance off,
marched quickly up, and the red men quieted down, Tecumseh be-
ing ordered to his camp.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 27
On the following day Tecumseh apologized and requested another
interview. The council was thereupon reopened, but while the
Shawnee leader addressed Harrison in a respectful manner, he did
not recede from his former demand as to the restoration of the Indian
lands.
The governor then requested Tecumseh to state plainly whether
or not the lands purchased at the Treaty of Fort Wayne in 1809
could be surveyed without molestation by the Indians, and whether
or not the Kickapoos would receive their annuities in payment for
such cession. The proposed grant was partly in Illinois. Tecumseh
replied : "Brother, when you speak of annuities to me, I look at the
land and pity the women and children. I am authorized to say that
they will not receive them. Brother, we want to save that piece of
land. We do not wish you to take it. It is small enough for our
purpose. If you do take it, you must blame yourself as the cause
of the trouble between us and the tribes who sold it to you. I want
the present boundary line to continue. Should you cross it, I assure
you it will be productive of bad consequences." This talk terminated
the council.
On the following day Governor Harrison, attended only by his
interpreter, visited Tecumseh's camp and told him that the United
States would not acknowledge his claims. "Well," replied the In-
dian, "as the great chief is to determine the matter, I hope the Great
Spirit will put sense enough into his head to induce him to direct you
to give up this land. It is true, he is so far off he will not be injured
by the war. He may sit still in his own town and drink his wine,
while you and I will have to fight it out."
Tecumseh's last visit to the governor previous to the battle of
Tippecanoe, which crushed the red man's power in Indiana and the
Northwest, was on July 27, 181 1. He brought with him a consider-
able force of Indians, but that showing was offset by 750 well-armed
militia whom Governor Harrison reviewed with some ostentation.
The interview was conciliatory on the part of Tecumseh, who, how-
ever, repeated that he hoped no attempts would be made to settle on
the lands sold to the United States at Fort Wayne, as the Indians
wished to keep them for hunting grounds. He then departed for the
express purpose of inducing the Indians to join his confederacy.
The Battle of Tipppecanoe
While Tecumseh was absent on that mission, the battle of Tippe-
canoe was fought under the leadership of the Prophet, and Indiana
28 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
became white man's land forever. After Governor Harrison had
exhausted every means to maintain peace with the Indian leader he
resorted to decisive military measures. His army moved from
Vincennes in September, 1811 ; he built a new fort on the Wabash
in the following month, resumed his march, and on the 6th of
November, after an unsatisfactory conference with a representative
of the Prophet, about half a mile from town, encamped on the
battleground, six miles north of the present City of Lafayette. The
selection of that location is said to have been at the suggestion of the
Indians, who pronounced it a good place for a camp ; the Prophet
may therefore be said to have selected the ground on which his
people met with such signal defeat.
General Harrison's force consisted of about 250 regular troops,
600 Indiana militia and 150 volunteers from Kentucky. Just before
daybreak of November 7th, the Indians made a sudden attack on that
part of the camp guarded by the militia. They broke at the first on-
slaught, but soon reformed, and the entire body of Americans pre-
sented a determined front to the wily foe, but did not attempt an
offensive until it was light, when several gallant charges were made
by the troops and the Indians defeated. The Indians being familiar
with the ground had been able to inflict severe losses on the Ameri-
cans. Among the killed were Major To Daviess, the gifted and
brave Kentuckian, and Col. Isaac White, the gallant Virginian,
who fell side by side while leading a charge of dragoons. Long after-
ward, both Indiana and Illinois were proud to bestow upon two of
their counties the names of these heroes of the battle of Tippecanoe.
Founding of the State Government
Governor Harrison's prolonged absences from the seat of govern-
ment on military duties made it necessary to place the civil adminis-
tration in other hands. In 1812 and the first four months of 1813,
these responsibilities devolved upon John Gibson, secretary of the
territory. In February of the latter year President Madison nom-
inated Thomas Posey, United States senator from Louisiana, for
governor of Indiana, as General Harrison had been made commander-
in-chief of the American forces in the West. Governor Posey arrived
at Vincennes in May, 1813, and in December of that year the Legis-
lature met at the new capital — Corydon, Harrison County. The
State House at that place had been partially erected in 181 1, but was
not entirely completed until 181 5.
In December of the latter year, the Territory of Indiana applied
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 29
to Congress for admission into the Union as a state, since more than
60,000 free white inhabitants then resided within its limits — to be
exact, 63,897. Congress passed the enabling act in May, 18 16, and
the delegates elected to frame a state constitution held a convention
at Corydon, lasting from the 10th to the 29th of June, of that year.
Instead of deliberating in the stuffy little State House, they held most
of their meetings under a huge elm tree on the banks of Big Indian
Creek, several hundred feet northwest of the capitol. The grand
old tree still stands, fifty feet in height with a spread of branches
nearly 125 feet across. The first session of the Legislature of the
State of Indiana opened at the Corydon State House on November
4, 1816.
Corydon remained the state capital until 1825, although the site
of Indianapolis had been selected by the commissioners appointed
for that purpose by the Legislature in 1820. In 18 19 Congress
donated to the state four sections of land to be selected from any
tract of the public domain then unsold, and in May of the following
year the locating commissioners fixed upon a tract on the west fork
of the White River near the geographical center of the state and
platted the new capital as Indianapolis. The seat of government of
the commonwealth was moved thither in 1825, as stated, and the first
State House completed in 1836. As designated in the congressional
grant, Indianapolis was fixed as the permanent capital of Indiana, and
all its counties have since looked to that city as the seat of their
government authority.
Miami and Pottawattamie Titles Extinguished
It is an unrelated coincidence that the completion of the State
House at Indianapolis and the virtual extinguishment of the Indian
titles to the lands of Northwestern Indiana should both fall within
the year 1836; it is, nevertheless, a happy coincidence for the pur-
pose of continuing this narrative in a chronological and orderly
manner.
Without going into the intricacies of the general, or blanket trea-
ties by which Great Britain and the United States secured their color
of title from the Indians, it is sufficient to know that the specific
treaties by which the primitive owners transferred the lands now
within Jasper and Newton counties to the general Government were
made in 181 8, 1826 and 1832.
On October 2 and 3. 1818, the Pottawattamies, Weas and Dela-
wares — all closely related in tribal affairs— ceded their several par-
30 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
eels of lands in the State of Indiana west of the Tippecanoe River,
the last two tribes then relinquishing all claims to real estate within
the limits of the young commonwealth. The Pottawattamie treaty of
October 2d, which is the most important from a Jasper County
standpoint, was concluded at St. Mary's, Ohio, between Governor
Jonathan Jennings, Lewis Cass and Benjamin Parke, United States
commissioners, and the principal chiefs and warriors of the Potta-
wattamie Nation. The following tract was thus ceded to the Gov-
ernment : Beginning at the mouth of the Tippecanoe River and run-
ning up the same to a point twenty-five miles in a direct line from the
Wabash River, thence on a line as nearly parallel to the general
course of the Wabash River as is possible, thence down the Ver-
million River to its mouth, and thence up the Wabash River to the
place of beginning.
Within the following eight years the Miamis, the Pottawattamies
and the Weas ceded various tracts in Central and Western Indiana,
which did not effect any territory within the present Jasper of
Newton. Both the Pottawattamies and Miamis ceded all their lands
east of the Tippecanoe by the treaty of October 23, 1826, the tract
being thus formally described in the paper : Beginning on the
Tippecanoe River, where the northern boundary of the tract ceded
by the Pottawattamies to the United States by the treaty of St.
Mary's in the year 1818 intersects the same, thence in a direct
line to a point on Eel River half way between the mouth of said
river and the Parrish's village, thence up Eel River to Seek's vil-
lage (now in Whitley County) near the head thereof, thence in a
direct line to the mouth of a creek emptying into the St. Joseph's
of the Miami (Maumee) near Metea's village, thence up the St.
Joseph's to the boundary line between Ohio and Indiana, thence
south to the Miami (Maumee), thence up the same to the reservation
at Fort Wayne, thence with the lines of the said reservation to the
boundary established by the treaty with the Miamis in 1818, thence
with the said line to the Wabash River, thence with the said river
to the mouth of the Tippecanoe River, and thence with the Tip-
pecanoe River to the place of beginning.
By the treaty with the Pottawattamies of October 26, 1832, a
tract of land in the northwestern portion of the state was ob-
tained by the Government, which overlapped the Kickapoo cession
in Illinois. On the following day the Pottawattamies of Indiana
and Michigan also relinquished all claims to any remaining lands in
those states, as well as in Illinois south of Grand River.
By the four treaties mentioned the settlers of Northwestern
JASPER AXD NEWTON COUNTIE 31
Indiana, the pioneers of whom commenced to come into that sec-
tion of the state at the time of these Pottawattamie cessions, were
enabled to read their titles clear to their homesteads and mar.
on earth.
On the nth of February, 1836, the Government concluded the
agreement with the Pottawattamies by which all former treaties
were ratified, and a stipulation made that they would migrate, within
two years, to their reservation beyond the Missouri River, the United
States to pay the expenses of such removal and furnish them one
year's subsistence.
On April 23, 1836, there was introduced in the Twenty-fourth
Congress a memorial from the Indiana Legislature asking Con-
gress to extinguish the title of the Pottawattamie and Miami Indians
to all lands in said state. This memorial recites that said matter
is one of the greatest interest and importance and asks that their
title be extinguished and the Indians removed from the state. It
was referred to the committee on Indian affairs and ordered to be
printed. Two years later the Indians were transported beyond the
Mississippi River.
The last tribal title to lands in Indiana was not extinguished until
1872, when Congress partitioned the ten-mile reserve originally
granted in 1838 to the Metosinia band of Miamis (in Wabash
County;, comprising sixty-three of the descendants of the original
chief.
Migrations of the Pottawattamies
Dr. J. Z. Powell, in his history of Cass County, published by the
company which issues this work, gives an authentic and condensed
account of the various steps by which the Pottawattamies and
Miamis were transferred to their reservations in the far West; the
bands from the regions of the Kankakee and Iroquois rivers were
tributary streams to the main bodies which moved down the Valley
of the Wabash toward Illinois and the Mississippi River.
"The first emigration of the Pottawattamies, " says Doctor Powell,
"took place in July, 1837. under the direction of Abel C. Pepper,
United States commissioner, and George Profit conducted them to
their western home. There were about one hundred taken in this
band and Xas-wau-gee was their chief. Their village was located on
the north bank of Lake Muck-sen-chuck-ee. where Culver Military
Academy ( Marshall county) now stands. The old chief. Xas-wau-
gee. was a mild-mannered man and on the morning of their march
32 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
to their western home, as he stood on the banks of the lake and took
a last, long view of his old home to which he was never to return,
he was visibly affected and tears were seen to flow from his eyes.
"The last and final removal of the Pottawattamies was made in
the fall of 1838. They were unwilling to go, and Colonel Abel C.
Pepper, then United States Indian agent stationed at Logansport,
made a requisition on Governor David Wallace (father of General
Lew Wallace) for a company of militia, and General John Tipton, of
Logansport, was directed to enlist a company of one hundred men,
which he speedily did. The recruits were mostly from Cass county.
The names of the men composing this company of militia are not
obtainable, but the writer's father, Jacob Powell, and Isaac Newton
Clary, pioneers of Bethlehem and Harrison townships, were among
the number.
"Sixty wagons were provided to haul the women, children and
those unable to march. There were eight hundred and fifty-nine
Indians enrolled under the leadership of Chief Menominee. Their
principal village was situated on Twin Lake, about seven miles
southwest of Plymouth, in Marshall county, where the entire tribe
assembled and bid farewell to their old homes. The village con-
sisted of one hundred and twenty wigwams and cabins ; also a
chapel in which many of them were converted to Christianity by
Father Petit, a missionary in Indiana at that time. Many affecting
scenes occurred as these red men of the forest for the last time
viewed their cabin homes and the graves of their loved ones who
slept in a graveyard near their little log chapel.
"On September 4, 1838, they began their sad and solemn march
to the West. Their line of march was south on the Michigan road
to Logansport, where they encamped just south of Honey creek on
the east side of Michigan avenue, on the night of the 7th of Septem-
ber. 1838; and that night two of the Indians died and were buried
just north of Honey creek where the Vandalia Railroad crosses the
stream and on the east side of Michigan avenue ; and their bones lie
there to this day.
"General Tipton conducted these Indians along the Wabash river
through Lafayette and on to Danville, Illinois, where he turned them
over to Judge William Polke, who took them to their reservation
west of the Missouri river. Many of the whites had a great sym-
pathy for this band of Indians and thought they were wrongfully
treated in their forcible removal, although, by their chiefs, they had
agreed to move West.
"A few of the Pottawattamies moved to northern Michigan and
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 33
some remnants of this once powerful tribe lived there to recent times.
Among their number was Simon Pokagon, who died January 27,
1899. Just prior to his death he wrote an article for an eastern maga-
zine in which he said : 'As to the future of our race, it seems to me
almost certain to lose its identity by amalgamation with the domi-
nant race.' When Pokagon was asked if he thought that the white
man and the Indian were originally one blood, he said: T do not
know, but from the present outlook they will be.'
"There were bands of Pottawattamie and Miami Indians in
Cass and adjoining counties that moved to the West at different
times; sometimes they went voluntarily; at other times, they were
escorted. The last of the Miamis were conducted to their reserva-
tion west of the Mississippi by Alex. Coquillard in 1847, and again
in 185 1."
By the fall of 1838 there were few Pottawattamies left in their
old encampments anywhere along the Tippecanoe. Another eye-
witness to their greatest march toward the setting sun, that of Sep-
tember in the year named, and toward which the Pottawattamies of
the northwestern corner of the state contributed a considerable
contingent, thus describes the enforced migration : "The regular
migration of the Pottawattamies took place under Colonel Abel C.
Pepper and General Tipton in the summer of 1838. Hearing that
this strange emigration, which consisted of about one thousand of all
ages and sexes, would pass within eight or ten miles of Lafayette, a
few of us procured horses and rode over to see the retiring band as
they reluctantly wended their way toward the setting sun. It was
a mournful spectacle to witness these children of the forest slowly
retiring from the homes of their childhood. As they cast sad
glances backward toward the loved scenes that were fading in the
distance, tears fell from the cheeks of the downcast warriors, old
men trembled, matrons wept, the swarthy maiden's cheek turned
pale, and sighs and half-suppressed sobs escaped from the motley
groups as they passed along, some on foot, some on horseback and
others in wagons — sad as a funeral procession. I saw several of the
aged warriors casting glances toward the sky, as if they were im-
ploring aid from the spirits of their departed heroes who were look-
ing down upon them from the clouds, or from the Great Spirit who
would ultimately redress the wrongs of the red man, whose broken
bow had fallen from his hand and whose sad heart was bleeding
within him.
"Ever and anon one of the party would start out into the brush
and break back to his old encampments on the Tippecanoe, declaring
34 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
he would rather die than be banished from his country. Thus scores
ot discontented emigrants returned trom different points on their
journey, and it was several years before they could be induced to
join their countrymen west of the Mississippi."
Pottawattamie Villages in Jasper County
Although the tribes which made their homes in Jasper County
exhibited no indication of having imbibed the religion of the Catho-
lic priests, they were not less friendly to the early whites that found
their way thither on trading and hunting expeditions, and even when
the whites came to take possession of the land after the Logansport
treaty.
The Iroquois River has sustained its reputation as one of the
best stocked rivers in the state, from the earliest knowledge of the
whites to the present time. Long before any settlements were made
rumors of its profusion of fine edible fish came to the frontiers
through the Pottawattamies, to whom it was a favorite place of
resort each fall and spring. Bass, bream, pike, salmon, mullet, suck-
ers and other varieties were found in abundance.
The Rapids of the Rockwise, as the Iroquois was early called, was
a favorite resort of the Pottawattamie Indians in Jasper County,
and every spring and fall during their stay in the state found large
numbers of them gathered there to fish and hunt. The river swarmed
with the largest fish, the prairie supplied innumerable deer and
grouse, and the Kankakee afforded some of the best trapping grounds
in Indiana. Two or three tribes of the nation made their homes
in Jasper County, whose principal villages were located near the line
of sections 17 and 20, Newton Township, and just east of the
Phegley farm. Their principal chiefs were Job, whose following
numbered about 300 men ; Jim, with a tribe of about 1 10, and Wa-
pakoneta, with a smaller band. Their corn fields were scattered
all over the county. What was known as the Indian garden, on the
Kankakee River in WTieatfield Township, was one of the largest
of their corn fields. Others were located a few miles west of the
county seat on the site of the Benjamin farm ; on the Mallatt place,
further west, and on the site of Rensselaer. The corn is described
as quite different from that now in cultivation. It was of a blue and
white color, somewhat similar to our sweet corn in texture, and never
acquired that flinty hardness which is characteristic of the grain
now in general cultivation.
The sites chosen for corn fields were such as could be the easiest
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 35
tilled with the rude implements at command, and where the rank
prairie grass could be best held in control. The squaws performed
the labor with the sanghoe, chopping off the sod and piling it up at
one side. On the spot thus cleared the corn was planted and left
to grow as it might. On the following year the spot on which the sod
had been piled was found bare of grass, and there another hill was
planted; thus, in the second year, double the number of hills were
planted. The ground thus brought under cultivation was worked
each successive year, the corn being planted each time in the same
spot, and the earth successively hoed up to the same spot formed
little mounds to mark the site of each hill of corn. The stalk grew
about 4y2 to 5 feet high, from which the corn was stripped in the
fall and hung up by the husks in the rude sheds provided for the
purpose.
Cured fish was an important part of the Indians' winter supplies.
On what was afterward the Rhodes farm, about three-quarters of a
mile southeast of Rensselaer, they had their pits for that purpose.
These were rectangular, about 2 by 4 feet, sunk about three feet into
the ground. They were filled with wood, which was ignited, and
when it was reduced to a body of live coals short sticks were placed
upon them, on which the fish were laid as drawn from the water.
When sufficiently cooked the fish were taken from the fire, the skin
removed and the flesh stripped from the bones. The shredded fish
was then placed on pieces of sheet iron and again placed over the
coals, the meat being turned, from time to time, and rubbed between
the palms of the hands until the whole was reduced to rather fine
powder. When the fire was exhausted, the fish powder was removed,
packed closely in deer skin sewed up to receive it, and laid aside for
the winter. A few handfuls of this powdered fish with pounded corn
made a very acceptable dish.
1308665
No Evidences of Permanent Prehistoric Settlements
The region of the Kankakee was wisely avoided by the Indians
in their choice of sites for their villages, as they appeared to have
had considerable regard for sanitary requirements. The same ap-
plies to the location of habitations by their prehistoric forefathers.
Even along the stretches of the Iroquois River there are few traces
of more than temporary occupancy by the aborigines. A mound on
the east side of that stream about four miles northeast of the county
seat was the only relic of the Mound Builders to be found in Jasper
County. It was nearly 10 feet high and about 40 feet in diameter,
36 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
and contained ashes, bones and shells. Spear and arrow heads of
an unusual form and specimens of chert, seen naturally only in
Tennessee, have been discovered at that locality. Vestiges of old
corn fields and trails have also been found, but not in such num-
ber as to confute the conclusion that the region was never in the
path of racial settlement, travel or migration.
CHAPTER III
PREPARATIONS FOR WHITE IMMIGRATION
The American Survey System — Survey of Indiana Public
Lands — When Statehood Came — Creation of the Counties
— Conditions Unfavorable to Settlement — William Dona-
hue, First Settler — The Yeoman and the Nowels Family
— Charles G. Wright — Thomas Randle and George Culp —
The Blue Grass Settlement — The Benjamins — Settlers of
1832-45.
Fifty years before the Indian titles to the lands in Jasper and
Newton counties had been extinguished and the first white settlers
commenced to arrive, the General Government had adopted its system
of surveys, so that the potential land owner should be able to have
his property plainly staked out in metes and bounds and recorded
in the public archives, as his sole possession.
The American Survey System
For several years before the passage of the Ordinance of 1787
creating the territory northwest of the Ohio River, Congress was
discussing the best methods of dividing the lands of the national
domain. On May 18, 1784, an act was finally introduced to divide
them into townships, each ten miles square ; in April of the follow-
ing year another measure was brought before Congress proposing
that each township should be seven miles square, and on the 20th of
the following month that act was amended, making the congressional
township six miles square, as at present.
After the appointment of surveyors and geographers, the south
line of the State of Pennsylvania extended west was fixed as the base
line. The north and south meridian was also established. The sur-
veyors were ordered to note "the variations of the magnetic needle
at the time the lines were run," and when seven ranges, or forty-two
miles had been surveyed, one-seventh of the same was to be set apart
"for the" use of the late Continental army." Then the section num-
37
38 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
bered [6 in each congressional district was set apart for the use of
the public schools, the proceeds derived from the sale of the lands
therein forming the basis ever thereafter of the American common
school fund.
Of course the title to all the lands within the counties of the
state is derived from the United States Government, hut at various
times the Federal Government has granted to the State of Indiana
over ^.500,000 acres, of which some 1.J50.000 acres comprised the
swamp lands. The swamp lands and those conveyed by the United
States direct to the purchaser and known as Government land, in-
cluded nearly all the area of Jasper and Newton counties. The
former were the source of the greatest public scandals which have
ever overtaken the counties.
More specifically, the congressional ordinance of May -20, 1785,
stated that : "The first line running north and south as aforesaid,
shall begin on the river Ohio, at a point which shall be found to be
due north from the western terminus of a line which has been run as
the southern boundary of the state of Pennsylvania; and the first
line running east and west shall begin at the same point, and shall
extend through the whole territory; provided that nothing herein
shall be construed as fixing the western boundary of the state of
Pennsylvania. The geographer shall designate the townships, or
fractional townships, by numbers, progressively, from south to
north — always beginning each range with Xo. 1 ; and the ranges shall
be distinguished by their progressive numbers to the westward, the
first range extending from the Ohio to Lake Erie being marked
Xo. 1. The geographer shall personally attend to the running of the
tirst east and west line and shall take the latitude of the extremes of
the tirst north and south line and of the mouths of the principal
rivers.
"The lines shall be measured with a chain; shall be plainly
marked by chaps on the trees and exactly described on a plat ; whereon
shall be noted by the surveyor at their proper distances, all mines,
salt springs, salt licks and mill seats that shall come to his knoweldge.
and all water courses, mountains and other remarkable and per-
manent things over or near which such lines shall pass, and also the
quality of the lands.
"The plats of the townships, respectively, shall be marked by
subdivisions into lots one mile square, or six hundred and forty acres,
in the same direction as the external lines, and numbered from one
to thirty-six — always beginning the succeeding range of the lot with
the number next to that with which the preceding one concluded.
JASPER AXD NEWTON COUNTIES 39
And where, from the causes before mentioned, only a fractional part
of a township shall be surveyed, the lots protracted thereon shall
bear the same number as if the township had been entire. And the
surveyors in running the external lines of the township shall, at the
intervals of every mile, mark corners for the lots which are adjacent,
always designating the same in a different manner from those of the
township."
Survey of Indiana Public Lands
The "first principal meridian" is a line running due north from
the mouth of the Miami, and is, in fact, the east line of the State of
Indiana. The "second principal meridian" is a line running due
north from the mouth of Little Blue River, eighty-nine miles west
of the former. The only base line running through this state crosses
it from east to west in latitude 380 30', leaving the Ohio twenty-five
miles above Louisville, and striking the Wabash four miles above
the mouth of the White River. From this base line the Congres-
sional townships of six miles square are numbered north and south,
and from the second principal meridian all the ranges of townships
are numbered east and west except the counties of Switzerland,
Dearborn, and part-, of Franklin, Union, Wayne and Randolph. This
part of the state was surveyed in townships from a base line of
fifteen miles north of the former, and in ranges west of the first
principal meridian. The "Clark Grant" in Clark County and the old
French lands in Knox County are also exceptions to the regularity
of the general survey of the state. Townships are subdivided into
thirty-six equal parts, or thirty-six square miles, containing 640
acres each, called sections. These sections are subdivided into halves,
of 320 acres, and quarters, of 160 acres each, which last are again
subdivided into halves, of eighty acres, and quarters, of forty acres
each. "Fractions" are parts of sections intersected by streams, or
confirmed claims or reservations, and are of various sizes. The
sections of a township are designated by numbers, beginning with
the northeast corner and following in regular order to the west side,
the second tier of sections beginning on the west side of the town-
ship and proceeding east. That portion of the state in the southeast
corner, which was included in the Ohio survey, was disposed of at
the Cincinnati land office. The rest of the public lands in Indiana
were principally disposed of at offices established at Jeffersonville,
Yincennes, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Winamac.
40 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Conditions Unfavorable to Settlement
Until the treaty of 1832, Jasper County was not open to white
settlers, nor was there any considerable migration toward that
locality. The incoming tide had risen principally from the East and
South and flooded the southern parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois
through the Valley of the Ohio and its tributaries. These sections
afforded abundant opportunities for the selection of choice farms,
even beyond the demand, and they lay within the radius of the
natural source of supplies and the most complete lines of communi'
cation of that period. Northwestern Indiana, below the Kankakee,
was some distance from either. The character of the country also
operated to discourage immigration, it being generally described as
alternate swamps, sterile sand ridges and flat, wet prairies. Its
name as a game center, however, induced the more adventuresome
to seek out the region in quest of sport and profit, and the realization
of both and the gleaning of the truth, through the striking of a happy
medium, eventually brought the first permanent settlers.
William Donahue, First Settler
The first in that class within the limits of Jasper County was
William Donahue. Drawn by the good trapping and the trade pros-
pects with the Indians, he located in what is now Gillam Township,
as early as 1832. There he remained a number of years, improved
a good farm and died, his descendants gradually leaving the local-
ity. He was a justice of the peace before Jasper County was
organized.
The Yeoman and Nowels Families
In the fall of 1834 Joseph Yeoman and John and David Nowels
settled at the Falls of the Iroquois. Mr. Yeoman was a son-in-law
of John Nowels, who had moved from Ohio to Fountain County,
Indiana. While residing there Mr. Yeoman proposed to move into
the new country opened by the recent Indian treaties. With John
Nowels, the son David, and his own wife, Sarah, Mr. Yeoman
therefore located in Illinois, on the Iroquois River, near the Indiana
line at a place known as Bunkum. While living there the families
learned of the Falls of the Iroquois, the locality so noted for its
fine fishing and hunting, and in 1834 the men started for their new
Indiana home. Attaching a yoke of oxen to the forward wheels of
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 41
a wagon and fixing a cart to carry what they would need while gone,
the party followed the course of the river to the falls. There, much
pleased with the prospect, Yeoman left the Nowels family, father
and son, and returned to Bunkum to arrange matters for the removal
of the household to the new site. This done, David Nowels returned
to Bunkum with the oxen, and both families were settled at the
Falls of the Iroquois by the fall of 1835. There were no neighbors
to assist at the "raising" of their cabin, which was accomplished by
the three men, Mrs. Yeoman and the oxen.
It was here, on the old Yeoman homestead, that Daniel H. Yeo-
man was born to Joseph Yeoman and his wife, Sarah, in the year
1 84 1. Captain Yeoman, now a Civil war veteran and with James T.
Randle the oldest continuous settler of the county, is the infant of
seventy-five years ago and the owner of the homestead established
in 1834 at the Falls of the Iroquois.
Charles G. Wright
The first addition to the settlement at the falls was in the per-
son of Charles G. Wright, who became a resident of Indiana Terri-
tory in 1807 and, after several changes of location, found himself
living in White County. Soon after the founding of the Yeoman-
Nowels settlement, he came to the locality as an Indian trader and
built a hewn-log cabin on the subsequent site of the Baptist Church.
Thomas Randle and George Culp
Late in the year 1834 Thomas Randle and George Culp, recently
from Virginia, started for the New Purchase, which had just been
surveyed, and on their way thither met Mr. Morris returning from
his work of laying out the ceded territory. He suggested a fine
location, directing them to ascend the Monon River to a certain
point, thence to strike over the prairie until they reached a grove of
trees which "appeared to hang down." They had no trouble in fol-
lowing these directions and, proceeding northward, made a selection1
of land at the forks of the Pinkamink and Iroquois rivers, but not
until they had examined the famed falls. In the following May they
returned with their families and formed the settlement of the Forks.
In 1835 it was reinforced by the arrival of Royal Hazelton, John G.
Parkinson and Henry Barkley, Jr., with the heads of other families.
Thomas Randle died in December, 1870, and his son, James T.
Randle, who has lived at Rensselaer since 1883, is the oldest living
42 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
resident of the county and is the direct descendant of one of the
first two settlers of Barkley Township. He has heen prominent in
livestock matters, being one of the pioneers in the raising of blooded
stock.
The Blue Grass Settlement
The settlement near the site of the old Indian village in Newton
Township, afterward known as Blue Grass, was also an early center.
William Mallatt and his family were among the first to reach that
locality. He came to the Falls of the Iroquois about 1835 and made
a claim on the southwest side of the river, near Yeoman's house, but
that improvement being floated by W. M. Kenton he moved to Blue
Grass, where he resided until his death in 1859.
The Benjamins
Mrs. Tared Benjamin, two sons and a daughter, settled about the
time that the Mallatts located, having purchased a claim of her
brother, Gilbert Yeoman, who had previously bought of John Nowels.
Erastus Smith and Alta Yeoman also settled in the neighborhood.
Settlers of 1832-45
David Phegley, who made a claim near the springs east of Rens-
selaer, and John Jordan, who migrated from Tipton County about
1831* and located in Carpenter's Grove, were also among the pioneers
of Jasper County.
Perhaps the most complete lis1: of pioneers is that published by
the Old Settlers' Society, which must be considered in connection
with names already mentioned.
1832 — Aaron Lyons.
1834 — Daniel Nowels.
1835 — Jackson Phegley, Mrs. Malinda Spitler, J. T. Randle.
1836 — Samuel Sparling, Mrs. Samuel Sparling, Henry A. Sparl-
ing. Marion L. Spitler.
1837 — William K. Parkinson, Addison Parkinson, Joseph A".
Parkinson.
1838 — George H. Brown, Tared Benjamin. Joseph W. Sparkling,
Joseph Williams. Mrs. David Nowels. Mrs. W. K. Parkinson, Mrs.
William Shaw. Miss Belle Barkley.
1830 — Samuel E. Yeoman. Stewart C. Hammond, Mrs. William
Burns. Mrs. H. C. Thornton. Mrs. Joseph Sparkling.
JASPER AXD NEWTON COUNTIES 43
1840 — Nathaniel Wyatt, D. M. Price, W. J. Wright, Sidney Stew-
art, Thomas R. Parker, Mrs. William Cockrill, Mrs. Benjamin
Welsh.
1841 — Lemuel Hankie, Rial Benjamin, William Xoland, Mrs.
G. H. Brown.
1842 — Alexander Rowen, Samuel McCullough, Samuel Long,
Joseph C. Henkle, John A. Henkle, John W. Duvall, Jabez Wright.
1843 — Andrew Farris, Henry Sayler, H. C. Thornton, C. C.
Thornton.
1844 — Joseph Yeoman, James Yeoman, Wesley Downing, Madi-
son Makeever, Ira W. Yeoman, Clement Timmons.
1845 — George Kesler, Lemuel Shortridge, Abram Freeland, John
Daugherty, Daniel Daugherty, Lewis L. Daugherty, William H.
Daugherty, Simon Phillips, L. Wr. Sayers.
CHAPTER IV
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
Erection of the Twin Counties — Named after Comrade Pa-
triots— Jasper County of 1835 — County Seat Moved to
Spitler's Cabin — Jasper and Newton Counties Consoli-
dated— County Seat, the Falls of the Iroquois — Formation
of Townships — The Spitler Courthouse — The Early Rens-
selaer Courthouses — The Brick Courthouse of 1856 —
Courthouse Burned — The Courthouse of 1898 — County
Jails — County Officials.
By glancing over the foregoing names, representing the leading
pioneers of Jasper County who settled during the first decade of
its social life, it will be seen that by 1835 there could not have been
a very large colony of them. But the politicians were abroad even
in that sparsely settled land, and the Legislature of 1834-35 formed
out of the unorganized area of the Northwest Territory, the counties
of Jasper, Newton, Pulaski, Starke, Marshall, Fulton, Adams, Wells,
Whitney, DeKalb, Noble, Kosciusko, Steuben and Jay.
Erection of the Twin Counties
Those sections which have a bearing on this history are as fol-
lows: "Section 12 — That all the territory within the following
boundaries shall constitute a county by the name of Jasper: Begin-
ning at the southeast corner of Section 33, Township 24, Range 6
west, thence west to the line of the state of Illinois, thence north
with the state line thirty miles, thence east with the line dividing
Townships 28 and 29 north, to the northeast corner of Section 4,
Township 28 north, Range 6 west, thence south with the section
line thirty miles to the place of beginning.
"Section 13 — That all territory within the following boundary
shall constitute a county to be known by the name of Newton : Be-
ginning at the southeast corner of Township 29 north, Range 5
west, thence west to the state line, thence north with the state line.
44
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 45
thirty miles, thence east with the line dividing Townships 33 and
34 north, to the northeast corner of Township 33, Range 5 west,
thence south with the range thirty miles to the place of beginning.''
Named after Comrade Patriots
The names of the twin counties, Jasper and Newton, originated
with two of the Revolutionary heroes attached to Marion's historic
band of South Carolina — Sergeants Jasper and Newton. They were
inseparable comrades in arms and adventures. Marion, it will be
remembered, commanded the American troops at Fort Moultrie
when it was attacked by the British fleet. One of the English gun-
ners, true to his racial traditions for good marksmanship, cut the
flagstaff in two, which carried the American colors on the battle-
ment of the fort, and Sergeant Jasper, also true to American tra-
ditions, nailed them back again amid a storm of shot and shell. The
British fleet afterward withdrew. It was considered that Jasper
would make an appropriate godfather for the new county, and that
his friend, Sergeant Newton, should honor the other.
About the time the counties were created, a book had been pub-
lished and freely circulated among the reading public of Indiana
entitled "The Story of Marion's Men." The two sergeants were
among its most interesting heroes and were greatly admired by the
state legislators. One of the stories told of them is this : '"Like
many families of that time, Jasper's was divided on the great
question. His elder brother took the side of the English, and served
in their army. Out of affection to his brother, and a wish to
examine into the strength and condition of the enemy, he resolved,
with another patriot soldier, Sergeant Newton, to pay the British
a visit. His brother's position enabled him to receive his two friends
without any suspicion of their being spies, and they were entertained
for two or three days with great hospitality.
"While they were thus engaged, a small party of Americans
were brought in prisoners, and, as they had deserted from the Brit-
ish, and enlisted in the American ranks, their doom would have been
death. This the brother of Jasper assured him was to be their fate.
With them were the wife and child of one of the prisoners. Her
distress at her husband's approaching fate touched the heart of
Jasper. Confiding his purpose to his friend Newton, they bade adieu
to Jasper's brother, and took their leave. They had no sooner got
out of sight of the camp than they made a detour, and stretched
46
I ASTER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
across the country, so as to elude all suspicion should they meet with
any British soldiers.
"It was the custom of the English to send all the prisoners taken
in that quarter to Savannah for trial. At a little spring-, two miles
from Savannah, [asper and Newton secreted themselves, awaiting
the arrival of the British escort with their prisoners. It had occurred
to [asper that, as they must pass this spot, it was very prohahle they
might rest here for a short time to refresh themselves, and the
woody nature of the spot would favor a rescue.
"After some hours' anxious suspense, they saw the escort, with
Old-Time Sawmill
their prisoners, approach ; the guard was ten in number, and armed.
The Corporal with four men conducted their captives to the water,
and told them to rest themselves for an hour, at the same time giving
them provisions. The guard then stacked their arms, and seated
themselves. The prisoners threw themselves upon the earth in
hopeless despair. Near to the wretched man sat his wife and child.
Two of the guards alone kept their arms as sentries. As the rest of
the men were filling their canteens with water, Jasper and Newton
came stealthily from their ambush, seized two of the muskets that
were stacked, shot the two sentries, and rushing upon the others,
stunned them with the butt of their weapons. Deprived of their
weapons the others abandoned the conflict and fled."
JASPER AXD NEWTON COUNTIES 47
Jasper County of 1835
The boundary descriptions already given indicate that the Jasper
County of 1835 included all of Benton County as we now know it,
all of the present Carpenter and Jordan townships, and Marion and
Xewton south of the line dividing townships 28 and 29 north (Jasper
County;, as well as Grant, Iroquois, Jefferson and Washington
townships, in the Xewton County of today. In 1836 all territory
north of the Kankakee River was cut away in the creation of Porter
County. Two year- later Jasper County, which had been attached
to White for political and civil purposes, was organized as an inde-
pendent body, the ''attachments'' of Xewton being divided between
Jasper and White.
County Seat Moved to Settler's Cabin
The county seat was fixed at Pine Township and the first board
of commissioners, elected in 1837, met at the house of Robert Alex-
ander of Parish Grove, in January, 1838. Its members were Amos
White. Joseph Smith and Frederick Kenoyer, and at their first
session it was ordered that "the Circuit Court, Probate Court and
Commissioners Court be held hereafter at the house of George W.
Spitler. provided a Majority of Pine township be in favor of it,
which is to be known by Amos White taking a petition through said
Pine township and getting even.' voter to sign a petition for or against
removal." Sixteen signed in favor and eight against said removal.
The explanation for this transfer of the county seat to a smaller
settlement in the northern edge of the territory to be accommodated
is that George W. Spitler, who had been elected clerk, refused to act
unless the place of business was brought nearer to his residence. The
commissioners made the desired concession, and in March, 1839, met
at Mr. Spitler's house, about half a mile south of Lyon's mill, in the
present Iroquois Township, Newton County.
Jasper and Newton Counties Consolidated
In the meantime, the legislative act had been passed which pro-
vided for the consolidation of the counties of Jasper and Xewton. It
read as follows : '"Section 1 — Be it enacted by the General Assembly
of the state of Indiana that George A. Spencer and Jacob Movers, of
White, and Solomon Hatfield, of Fountain, and Samuel H. Garri
of Warren, and William Simms. of Tippecanoe counties, be and the
same are hereby appointed commissioners agreeably to 'An act fixing
48 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the seat of justice in all new counties hereafter laid off.' The com-
missioners aforesaid shall meet at the house of Robert Alexander, of
Jasper county, on the first Monday of June next and immediately
proceed to discharge the duties hereafter assigned to them.
"Section 2 — And it shall be the duty of the sheriff of Jasper
county, either in person or writing, to inform said commissioners of
their appointment on or before the first Monday of May next, and
for such services shall be entitled to such compensation as the law
requires.
"Section 3 — It shall be the duty of the commissioners, in addition
to the duties assigned them by the act to which this has reference, to
examine the counties of Jasper and Newton with a view of their
being consolidated and, if after examination, the commissioners are
satisfied that the interests of the two counties would be promoted by
the union of the same, they are hereby authorized to fix the seat of
justice in said enlarged territory, taking into view the peculiar situa-
tion of said territory in regard to prairie, timber, water-privileges
and the known wishes of the citizens of different parts of Jasper
county attached to other counties; and the seat of justice, if con-
solidated, shall be called Newton.
"Section 4 — If, after examination, the commissioners shall be
of opinion that either county would be injured by the consolidation,
they shall proceed to fix the county seat, as provided by law, in
Jasper county, agreeable to its present boundaries.
"Section 5 — If, after examination, they shall be of opinion that
the interests of the two counties would be promoted by the union of
the same, from henceforth the territory known by the name of Jasper
and Newton counties, shall be known as Jasper county. This act to
be in force from and after its passage.
"Approved January 29, 1839."
County Seat, the Falls of the Iroquois
The commissioners thus appointed found the plan of consolidation
advisable, and accordingly located the county seat at the Falls of the
Iroquois River, with the name of Newton, thus striking the county
of that name, for the time being, from the map of the state. In 1840
the County of Benton was formed, taking its territory from Jasper,
the latter receiving, by way of compensation, thirty sections adjoin-
ing the southeast angle and now principally contained in Milroy
Township. In 1859, however, Newton County was revived, though
shorn of much of its early area, leaving Jasper in its present form.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 49
Formation of Townships
On the 26th of September, 1835, under order of the commissioners
of White County, the first election within the present limits of Jasper
County was held at the house of William Donahue. Justices of the
peace for the recently erected Marion Township were to be chosen,
and as Thomas Randle and John L. Stump each received three votes
for the office another election was called for the following May.
The original six voters were Thomas Randle, John L. Stump, David
Phegley, George Culp, George Phillips and William Donahue, and
at the May election were added to the list, Herbert Owens, Harry
Owens, Eli Haskins, John Nowels, John Price, Alexander Crockett,
J. D. Yeoman and Silas Phillips. At the second election Thomas
Randle was chosen justice of the peace and Alexander Crockett, con-
stable, of Marion Township. In the summer of 1836 the commis-
sioners designated the house of John Price as a more convenient place
for holding elections than the Donahue cabin, and in September, 1837,
ordered that "all of the territory attached to Porter county that is
called Newton county shall constitute a township to be known by the
name of Marion," and that an election should be held at Mr. Price's
house for a justice of the peace thereof. At the October election
William Donahue was elected to that office.
On the organization of Jasper County in 1838, the old County of
Newton was reattached to White County, and on the 3d of September
of that year the territory which had been named Marion Township
by the White County authorities and subsequently confirmed in the
same title by the Porter County officials, was divided by the former
authorities under whose jurisdiction it had again been placed. Their
action of the date named created the Township of Barkley, in honor
of Henry Barkley, Sr., from the territory of Newton County lying in
the forks of the Pinkamink and "east from the bridge across the
east branch of that creek and by a line due east from that bridge,
and all on the north of that line." This territory was subsequently
attached to Jasper County as originally formed, and the commis-
sioners of the latter county, at their March meeting in 1839, divided
it into Newton and Pinkamink townships, the latter containing all
territory south and east of the Iroquois River. The voting precincts
were established at the houses of Joseph D. Yeoman and William
Donahue, and an election ordered for the April following.
The destruction of the early records in the courthouse fire of 1864
throws doubt on the various changes in township organization during
the decade 1839-49, commencing with the consolidation of Jasper and
ni*
O
H
O
U
fe
JASPER AXD NEWTON COUNTIES 51
Xewton counties in the former year. In 1849, however, as the pre-
served records show, the present territory of Jasper County was
covered by the townships of Jordan, Marion, Xewton, Barkley and
Gillam. Jordan and Marion occupied the area south of the Iroquois
River, the latter including the village of Rensselaer and a little ad-
joining territory. The remainder of the county embraced the other
three townships, each of which had the Kankakee River as its
northern boundary.
In March, 185 1, Walker Township was organized with the follow-
ing boundaries: Commencing at the bridge over Copperas Creek;
thence east to Moses Davidson's mill dam; thence to the mouth of
Stump's slough; thence to the east line of the county and along said
line to the Kankakee River ; thence westerly along the river to a line
of Beaver Township (now Xewton County), and thence to place of
beginning. This was probably intended to include all the present
territory of Jasper north of Copperas Creek. In 1853 there was a
general revision of township lines, and the boundaries of Walker were
changed so as to include nearly one-half of the area of the present
county. The lines of Gillam Township were arranged as now found
on the map, except that the northwest corner was square. Hanging
Grove Township was also erected substantially as at present. Barkley,
Marion, Xewton and Jordan were included in the balance of the
territory not occupied by Walker.
In the March session of 1856 the commissioners erected the
Township of Kankakee, which included the present townships of
Kankakee and Wheatfield. The latter, as it now stands, was created
in June, 1858.
Keener Township was erected in March, 1858, out of townships
31 and 32, range 7, "and so much of Township 30, of that range, as
lies north of Xewton." In March, 1862, Carpenter Township was
carved out of Jordan; Milroy was erected in December, 1867. and
Union, the last of the townships, was created in December, 1868.
In June, 1871, Union Township was restricted to its present limits.
The minor changes in the township boundaries have not been men-
tioned.
The Spitler Courthouse
When it was decided to move the county seat to the Brook
Settlement, George W. Spitler, who was the first clerk and also dis-
charged the clerical duties of all the offices save those of sheriff and
treasurer, erected a log building about sixteen feet square for the
52 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
uses of the commissioners and the Circuit Court, at his place of
residence. This served as a courthouse and a boarding house until
the seat of justice was moved to the Falls or Rapids of the Iroquois
in 1839.
The Early Rensselaer Courthouse
In the year named, Rensselaer was laid out as the town of New-
ton and, in addition to the public square, the proprietor donated four
blocks for the erection of public buildings. The first courthouse at
the new county seat was a small structure erected on Cornelia Street
between Front and Van Rensselaer. In 1845 James Van Rensselaer,
the proprietor, also erected a courthouse at his own expense — a two-
story frame building, 31 by 36 feet, on the lot nearly east of the square
on Cullen Street. The court room was below and the county offices
above, although, as a rule, the officials preferred to transact their
light duties in their own residences which, especially in cold weather,
were more comfortable than the quarters provided by the county.
The Brick Courthouse of 1856
The Van Rensselaer building served as the official courthouse
until 1856, when a brick structure was completed on the public
square. It was a $10,000 building, 70 by 40 feet, with court room
above and six offices below. The foundation of the courthouse was
completed in 1853, and Benjamin Hinkle spent from May, 1854, to
September, 1856, in completing the superstructure.
Courthouse Burned
The original specifications called for vaults for the county records,
but they were subsequently modified to the great eventual loss of the
public and the detriment of historical research and accuracy. In
1864, late at night, fire broke out in the courthouse, and before it
could be stayed many of the most valuable early records and papers
had been destroyed. The vaults were of such inferior quality and
construction as to be virtually of no protection. The whole interior
and roof of the courthouse were burned. The fire is supposed to
have been the work of an incendiary — a county official who was in-
terested in the destruction of certain documentary evidence which
might be used against him. J. A. Silver was the contractor for the
repairs, to- which was added the construction of sufficient vaults for
the preservation of valuable papers and records.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 53
The Courthouse of 1898
Under Mr. Silver the re-built brick courthouse was completed in
1865 and served the people of the county for twenty-one years. It
was razed in 1896 to make room for the massive and ornate structure
of stone completed two years afterward. The original contract for
the building was about $84,000; cost of furniture, $27,000; cement
walks, coping, etc., $12,000; a separate heating plant, 200 feet from
the building connected by a tunnel, $7,000 ; and various other items,
such as plate glass windows, vault doors, shutters, and interior
The Courthouse of 1865
decorations, brought the total cost of the courthouse and the ground
improvements to $156,000. It is three stories in height, with a
central clock tower of impressive and graceful architecture. The
interior furnishings, and the lighting, heating and ventilating ar-
rangements of the court rooms and county offices are in keeping with
the exterior impressions.
When work was commenced on the courthouse in 1896, the mem-
bers of the board of commissioners were Benjamin R. Faris (presi-
dent), John C. Martindale and Dexter R. Jones. A. Halleck suc-
ceeded Mr. Faris as commissioner from the first district in November
of that year, was elected president of the board soon afterward, and
continued in that capacity until after the courthouse was completed.
Frederick R. Waymire succeeded Mr. Jones as commissioner in
November, 1897, and also continued as such until after the building
54 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
was finished. The architect's contract was first awarded to Alfred
Grindle, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who afterward associated himself
with Charles R. Weatherhogg, who became the active member in
charge of the work. Before its completion, Mr. Grindle dropped out,
and Mr. Weatherhogg completed the architectural part of the work.
The general contractors were Heinzman Brothers of Noblesville, and
the subcontractors, the Wabash Bridge and Iron Works (steel con-
struction), Shellhouse & Company, of Indianapolis (plate glass),
M. E. Humphreys & Company, of that city (roof construction),
Henry Taylor Lumber Company, Lafayette (interior wood work and
finish), and William G. Andrews, Clinton, Iowa (painting and dec-
orating). It might be added, as bearing upon the ways and means
provided for the construction of the courthouse, that the ^l/2 per cent
bonds, which were issued by the county to raise money for its con-
struction, were purchased by the Trowbridge-Xiver Company, of
Chicago. The Jasper County courthouse stands upon a solid rock
foundation, the earth having been excavated down to the basic
limestone, the surface of which was found to have the appearance
of having been planed oft" and to have other marks of prehistoric
glacial scourings.
County Jails
The first jail was built in 1847. George W. Spitler contracted
to erect it. but the actual work was done by Willis J. Wright, a
carpenter. It was built of hewn logs 12 inches square, about 20 by 26
feet in size, and comprised two rooms ; one being the jail proper
which was built of double timbers, with a small window guarded by
strong iron bars. For this building Spitler received four blocks
of the village plat, containing forty-eight lots which had been donated
for public buildings.
The jail of 1S47 served its purpose until 1856. when it was torn
down, after which, until 1883. the county obtained accommodations
for its prisoners at Lafayette. Monticello and Fowler. At the De-
cember session of the commissioners in 1881, the county entered into
a contract with P. J. Pauley & Brother, of St. Louis, to erect the
present brick building on the corner of Cullen and Harrison streets.
The cost of its construction was over $12,000.
County Asylum and Hospital
L'ntil 1870 the paupers of the county were farmed out to the
lowest bidder, but in March of that year the county purchased 240
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 55
acres and a brick building on section 23 and established a poor farm.
About two years afterward a larger and better frame building was
erected for the superintendent and such of the inmates as required
his immediate supervision.
To provide for patients dependent upon the county who need
medical or surgical treatment, a hospital of modern construction and
equipment was erected in 1916 just south of the jail. It cost about
$20,000. The plans and specifications were drawn by Albin W. Coen.
County Officials
It is impossible to give a complete roster of the officials of Jasper
County, owing to the destruction of so many records in the court-
house fire of 1864. It is known, however, that George W. Spitler
was county clerk and clerk of the Circuit Court from 1838 to 1856;
Charles M. Watson, from 1856 to i860: David I. Jackson, i860 to
1868; Marion L. Spitler, 1868 to 1876; Charles H. Price, from 1876
until 1884; James F. Irwin from that year until far into the '80s;
William H. Coover, from 1890 (and perhaps before) until 1898;
John F. Major was elected in November of that year and served
until 1902 ; Charles W. Warner from the latter year until 1910 ; Jud-
son H. Perkins, from 1910 to the present time.
George W. Spitler was also auditor from 1838 to 1852 ; Lawson
Bruce, his successor, served only a few months and died in office;
John D. Xork, appointed to fill the vacancy, served until the next
general election in 1855; Turner Knox from that time until 1859;
David T. Halstead, 1859-67; Ira W. Yeoman. 1867-71; Frank W.
Babcock, 1871-75; Henry Barkley. 1875-79; Ezra C. Xowels, 1879
to about 1886; George M. Robinson until 1890; Henry B. Murray for
a number of years ending 1898: William C. Babcock. 1899-1902;
James X. Leatherman. 1903-10; Joseph P. Hammond, 1911 to the
present (1916).
County treasurers : Albert Persail, the first incumbent, was suc-
ceeded by Samuel L. Sparling, who served until 1852 ; Jacob Merkle,
1852-56; Ezra Wright. 1856-60: Samuel Alter. 1860-64: Thomas
Boroughs. 1864-68; Charles Piatt, 1868-70; Lemuel Henkle, 1870-
~J2\ Lemuel C. Jones. 1872-76; Henry I. Adams. 1876-80: Moses B.
Alter. 1880-86 ;"W. H. Hoover. 1886-88: I. B. Washburn. 1888-90;
Marcus H. Hemphill, elected in 1890. and succeeded by Jesse C.
Givin. in 1894: Robert A. Parkinson, elected in 1898: Samuel R.
Xichols. 1902; Jesse D. Allman. 1906; Alson A. Fell. 1910; Charles
A'. May, the present incumbent. 1914.
56 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Among the early sheriffs were Henry Barkley, Sr., in honor of
whom Barkley Township was named ; William Stewart, John Phil-
lips, William Henderson and Willis J. Wright, who served from the
organization of the county until 1858; Sheriff Wright was succeeded
by Simon Phillips, 1858-62; Daniel F. Davies, elected in 1862, who
died in office; John M. Austin, coroner, serving the unexpired term;
Charles Piatt, 1864-68; Allen J. Yeoman, 1868-72; Lewis L. Daugh-
erty, 1872-76; George M. Robinson, 1876-80; John W. Powell,
1880-86; Samuel E. Yeoman followed Mr. Powell; Philip Blue,
elected in 1888, was succeeded by Charles Hanley in 1892; Nathan
J. Reed was elected in 1896 and Abraham G. Hardy, in 1900; John
O'Connor, 1904; Lewis P. Shirer, 1908; William I. Hoover, 1910,
and Benjamin D. McColly, 1914.
Among the county surveyors who served previous to 1890 were
Wesley Spitler, James Ballard, Frederick Schraack, J. D. Hopkins,
John Miller, R. B. James, Joseph M. Hopkins, Charles P. Mayhew,
Daniel B. Miller and Lewis S. Alter. James C. Thrawls was elected
surveyor in November, 1884, and was succeeded by John E. Alter in
1892, who served until 1898, when Myrt B. Price was elected. W.
Frank Osborne, chosen in 1908, was succeeded by Clifton J. Hobbs,
in 1914, and he has since been replaced by Mr. Price.
Among the early coroners were John M. Austin, Norman War-
ner, Frank J. Sears and Philip Blue. Since 1888, with years of their
election, the following have held office: Real P. Benjamin, 1888;
Shelby Grant, 1892; Truitt P. Wright, 1896; Willis J. Wright, 1902;
Cecil E. Johnson, 1914.
Following are the prosecuting attorneys of Jasper County, with
the years of their election, who have served since 1886: M. H.
Walker, 1886; John T. Brown, 1890; Thurman C. Annabel, 1894;
Albert E. Chizum, 1896; John D. Sink, 1900; Robert O. Graves,
1904; Fred H. Longwell, 1908; Reuben Hess, 1914.
Thomas Antrim was elected recorder of the county in November,
1886; James F. Antrim, in 1888; Robert B. Porter, in 1896; John W.
Tilton, 1904; and George W. Scott, still in office, in 1912. The
assessors since 1892: Charles E. Mills, 1892; John R. Phillips, 1896;
John Q. Lewis, 1904; G. L. Thornton, 1914.
CHAPTER V
COURTS, JUDGES AND LAWYERS
First Western American Courts — First Territorial Court —
Federal vs. Territorial Jurisdiction — Judicial System un-
der the First State Constitution — Subsequent Legislation
Affecting the Courts — Circuit Court, a Monopoly of Judi-
cial Power — List of Circuit Judges, 1852-1916 — First Court
Sessions in Jasper County — Noted Early Lawyers — Joseph
A. Wright — Rufus A. Lockwood — Edwin P. Hammond —
Simon P. Thompson — Robert S. Dwiggins — Mordecai F.
Chilcote.
Until the middle period of the Revolutionary war, after General
Clark had conquered the territory northwest of the Ohio for the
patriot army, no earnest attempt was made by either France or Great
Britain to establish civil or judicial administration over any part
of the country west of the Alleghany Mountains ; and then it was too
late for either mother country to do anything in that line. In other
words, neither France nor Great Britain ever attempted to estab-
lish other than a military rule over the Northwest. Under French
rule the commandants of the posts decided most points at issue be-
tween the civilians and the Indians, or which came up between the
whites themselves ; when the cases seemed particularly involved or
important, some of the most influential characters of the special
locality which was disturbed would be called into consultation. But
few cases of law suits could arise, as few of the settlements in In-
diana consisted of more than fifty families; they were happy-go-
lucky people who did not worry about definite titles to their lands
so long as their neighbors did not object, and much of the land in the
settlements was communal, each man usually cultivating only so
much as would furnish him or his family with the necessities of life.
When the common law of England was established over the ter-
ritory no attempt was made to establish courts, as the newcomers
discouraged settlement west of the mountains. Until 1777 they did
57
58 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
not think it worth their efforts to even take possession of Vincennes,
the only real center of civilization in the Northwest.
First Western American Courts
But when General Clark conquered the Territory of Virginia and
the Americans, and John Todd was appointed lieutenant for the
County of Illinois, the authority of the courts commenced to be es-
tablished. His headquarters were at Fort Chartres, but he sought also
to establish a court of civil and criminal jurisdiction at Vincennes,
of which the commandant of the post, Col. J. M. P. Legras, was presi-
dent. A historian of those times says that "no record of an action by
this court remains, except its assumption of the right to make grants
of land, and it exercised that authority with royal liberality, most of
the grants being made to the members of the Court." That was
the first judicial tribunal which legally and theoretically exercised
jurisdiction over what are now Indiana and Jasper County, although
fifty years were to elapse before any white men came to that
section of the state to look for civil or judicial protection.
Under the ordinance of 1787, Samuel H. Parsons, James M.
Varnum and John C. Symes were appointed judges of the Northwest
Territory, who, with Governor St. Clair, were authorized to enforce
such laws of the original states as might be applicable to the new
territory. It appears that the judges who held their first session at
Marietta exceeded their authority and tried to incorporate some
original — very original — laws, which were repudiated by the Con-
gress of the United States. In 1795 the governor and judges met
at Cincinnati and enacted a number of laws which conformed to the
authority of the organic ordinance ; the validity of the laws pro-
mulgated at Marietta was questioned until 1799, when, to avoid
complications, they were re-adopted, as a whole, by the Territorial
Legislature.
First Territorial Court
In January, 1801, William Clark, Henry Vanderburgh and John
Griffin, who had been appointed the first judges of Indiana Territory,
met Governor Harrison at Vincennes, the capital, for the purpose of
passing a code of laws to supersede that enacted at Cincinnati for the
government of the Northwest Territory. Among those passed as a
part of the new code was one establishing courts of General Ouarter
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 59
Sessions of the Peace in the counties of Knox, Randolph and St.
Clair.
The first session of the General Court was opened at Yincennes
on the 3d of March, 1801, all the judges present. The grand jury
called, as will be seen by an examination of the names of its mem-
bers, was largely of French extraction, consisting of Luke Detker,
Antoine Marshal, Joseph Baird, Patrick Simpson, Antoine Petit,
Andr. Montplaiseur, John Ockiltree, Jonathan Marney, Jacob Teve-
baugh, Alexander Vadney, Francois Turpin, Fr. Compagnoitte,
Charles Languedoc, Louis Severe, Fr. Languedoc, George Catt, John
St. Barios, Abraham Decker and Philip Catt. With a Court of Gen-
eral Sessions and a grand jury in operation, the judiciary of Indiana
may be said to have been fully established.
Federal vs. Territorial Jurisdiction
In February, 1805, the first popular assembly of the territory
met at Vincennes and split off Michigan from Indiana Territory, and
four years later Illinois was carved out of it. In 1814 what is now
Indiana was divided into five districts, each of which was to elect
a member of the Territorial Council ; this action originated in Con-
gress. In the same year the General Assembly divided the territory
into three judicial districts, but Judge Parke refused to act on the
grounds stated in the following letter to Governor Posey: "By an
act entitled 'An act reorganizing courts of justice,' passed at the
late session of the Legislature, the Territory is divided into three
districts, in each of which a circuit court is established — the court
to consist of one of the judges appointed by the Government of the
United States for the territory, as president, and three associates
commissioned under the authority of the territory, and to have juris-
diction in all cases at law and in equity. The first circuit, compris-
ing the counties of Knox, Gibson and Warrick, is assigned to me.
The Legislature is empowered to make laws in all cases for the good
government of the territory not repugnant to the laws of the United
States. In the delegation of power that which is not expressly given
is reserved. Implications cannot be admitted further than to carry
into effect the power given. The laws of the United States being
paramount to the laws of the territory, if they are found in conflict,
the latter must yield to the former. Congress has defined the juris-
diction of the judges appointed by the General Government and
made one judge, in the absence of the others, competent to hold
60 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
court. The judges are coordinate and their jurisdiction extends
over the whole territory. They are judges in and over, and not a
part of the territory. As the judges derive their jurisdiction and
power from the Government of the United States, they cannot be
controlled, in the exercise of their functions, by persons deriving
their authority from the government of the territory. The judges
appointed for the territory are limited, by the laws of the United
States, to the exercise of a common-law jurisdiction. The act, there-
fore, as it regards the organization and jurisdiction of the Circuit
Court, is repugnant to the laws of the United States, and neither
confers any powers, nor imposes any duty, on the judges appointed
for the territory by the United States. The General Government
has appointed for the territory three judges with common-law juris-
diction ; but when, where or in what manner they are to hold a court,
or rather exercise the jurisdiction with which they are invested,
Congress has not provided. I consider it the duty of the Legislature
to do it. To you, sir, it belongs to watch over the affairs of the
territory and to see that the laws are faithfully executed and, on
account of the relation in which I stand to the Territorial Govern-
ment, I have thought it my duty to make this representation to you.
The peculiarity of the case leaves me no other mode of stating my
objections and the cause of my not conforming to the law. The
Legislature has organized certain courts and assigned me to per-
form certain duties ; but the law constituting the one, and directing
the other, is unconstitutional, and as I can derive no authority from
it, it imposes no obligation. I shall, therefore, not hold the courts
for the circuit."
This refusal of Judge Parke, with various appeals to the General
Assembly to establish courts which should modify the one-man
power of the Superior Court (one judge being competent to hold
court), hastened the establishment of the Circuit Court which was
alive when Jasper County was created. At the legislative session,
which convened at Corydon in August, 1814, the territory was
divided into three judicial districts, each of which was to be pre-
sided over by a judge appointed by the governor. In selecting the
presiding judges the chief executive was required to choose men
"learned and experienced in the law," who were citizens of the
United States and who had "regularly practiced in some of the courts
of the United States, or in this territory, three years." The two
associates of each county were to be residents of good standing, but
not necessarily lawyers. Two judges were to constitute a quorum.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 6l
Judicial System Under the First State Constitution
The entire judicial system was virtually fixed and consolidated
under the state constitution of 1816. Under its provisions, the judi-
cial bodies were to consist of a State Supreme Court, Circuit courts,
and such inferior courts as the General Assembly might establish.
The highest body was to consist of three judges to be appointed
by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, their term of office
to be seven years. The Supreme Court was given jurisdiction in
capital or chancery cases, where the president of the Circuit Court
might be interested or prejudiced.
The Circuit courts were to consist of a presiding judge and two
associates. The president alone, or with one of the associates, or
the two associates together, could hold court, although capital and
chancery cases could not be tried in the absence of the presiding
judge. The presidents of the Circuit courts were elected by the
General Assembly in joint session and the associate judges were
chosen by popular vote.
The first state constitution also provided that the clerk of the
Supreme Court was to be appointed by that body and that the clerks
of the Circuit courts were to be elected by the people, but no clerk
could qualify who had not obtained a certificate of competency from
a judge either of the Supreme or Circuit Court. The constitution
also provided for justices of the peace.
Subsequent Legislation Affecting the Courts
The constitution of 1851 made the supreme judgeship elective
instead of appointive, and reduced the term of service from seven
to six years. The choice of a clerk of the Supreme Court was also
given to the people, and the associate judges of the Circuit courts
were abolished. Further, the new constitution provided that no one
elected to any judicial office should be eligible to any other office
during the term of his service.
'Tn creating inferior courts," says W. Ff. Smith, in his "History
of Indiana," "the Legislature established what were known as
Courts of Common Pleas. These courts were given exclusive juris-
diction in probate matters and concurrent jurisdiction with the Cir-
cuit courts in some other matters. This created great confusion.
All the courts assumed to pass upon the constitutionality of laws
enacted by the General Assembly, and the state witnessed the
anomalv of having laws enforced in one countv and declared uncon-
62
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
stitutional in another. When the Legislature enacted the prohibitory
liquor law in 1855, some of the Circuit judges declared it constitu-
tional and enforced it. while others declared it void. This lasted
until the Supreme Court finally overthrew the law. The confusion
grew worse after the Common Pleas Court was established, for
then some counties were operating under two different laws at the
same time, according as the opinions of the judges differed. This
confusion could not last, and finally the General Assembly abolished
the Courts of Common Fleas, and in counties where the business
—•" jfees**"^]
"TOO
j_"»m
The Courthouse of the Present
was too great to be transacted by the Circuit courts. Superior and
Criminal courts have been established, with well defined juris-
diction."
Circuit Court, a Monopoly of Judicial Power
From the consolidation of Jasper and Newton counties, and the
establishment of the county seat at the Falls of the Iroquois River
in 1830. to the adoption of the second state constitution in 1851,
the immediate judicial affairs of that territory were under the juris-
diction of the Circuit and Probate courts, with right of appeal to
the State Supreme Court ; in 1852 all probate matters were trans-
ferred to the Common Pleas Court : the Circuit Court continued its
iurisdiction. with the abolishment of the two associate judges, and
JASPER AXD XEWTOX COUNTIES 63
in 1873 absorbed the Court of Common Pleas. So that, as far as
Jasper County is concerned, the Circuit Court has had a monopoly
of judicial power for sixty-four years.
List of Circuit Judges, 1852-1916
The constitutional convention of 1851 provided that the Circuit
Court should consist of one judge instead of three, and by lej
lative act of 1852 it was provided that there should be ten districts
in the state. Jasper County became a part of the Eighth Judicial
Circuit of Indiana, composed of Jasper, Parke, Vermilion, Mont-
gomery, Boone, Fountain, Warren, Benton, Tippecanoe and Clin-
ton counties. William P. Bryant was the circuit judge from 1852
to 1855. On January 21, 1853, Jasper County was attached to the
Ninth Circuit, and on February 9, 1855, it was attached to the
Twelfth Circuit, composed of Jasper, Benton. White and Tippecanoe
counties. In 1855 John Pettit was circuit judge for a short time,
and after him. David Turpie, who was formerly United States sen-
ator from Indiana. From 1855-57 Andrew Ingram was the circuit
judge and for a portion of the year 1857, Johri Pettit. From 1857-70
Charles E. Test was the judge; from 1870-73 David W. Vinton, who
so continued service in Tippecanoe County until 1894. In 1873 tne
Thirtieth Judicial District was formed, composed of Jasper, Newton,
Benton and Pulaski counties, and existed as such until March 5,
1875, when Pulaski County was attached and made a part of the
Twenty-ninth District, with Carroll and White counties. In Feb-
ruary, 1899, Benton County was dropped and made part of the
Twenty-first District, with Warren and Fountain counties. Jasper
and Newton counties have since composed the Thirtieth Judicial
circuit. From 1873-83, E. P. Hammond was judge ; 1883-90, Peter
E. Ward; William Darroch, four months in 1890, by appointment;
1890-92. E. P. Hammond; 1892-97, Ulrick C. Wiley; 1897-1902,
Simon P. Thompson, and from 1902 to the present time, Charles
W. Hanley.
First Court Sessions in Jasper Couxty
The first session of the Circuit Court in Jasper County was held
in 1839 at the residence of the county clerk, George W. Spitler. at
the Brook settlement. It was attended by Isaac Naylor as judge,
with Matthew Terwilliger and James T. Timmons as associates.
Joseph A. Wright was the prosecuting attorney. His later career
64 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
as a member of Congress, twice governor of the state and United
States minister to the German Empire at Berlin, marks him as one
of the most prominent lawyers who ever resided in Jasper County.
Rufus A. Loekwood, another lawyer in attendance, is chiefly remem-
bered for his successful prosecution of General Fremont's claim to
the Mariposa tract, for which he received a fee of $100,000, an
exceptional amount for those days.
The cases which appeared on the docket were: Hepsey Mont-
gomery, administrator, vs. Ed Boon, administrator — a civil action;
State vs. I. T. Timmons, a criminal case which strongly savored of
the "practical joke" brand, as it was promptly nollied and disap-
peared ; an assault and battery case against Jonathan Hunt, who was
never found, and a petition for divorce made by Louisa Barr against
Andrew Barr.
The first session of the Circuit Court at Rensselaer was held in
an old half-demolished cabin near the residence of Mr. Merkle in
April, 1840. The grand jury consisted of W. Donahue, Hannaniah
Hewitt, Wesley Spitler, Robert Mallatt, Lewis Elijah, William Gil-
lam, William Doran, Joseph Woolsey, George Culp, Thomas Tim-
mons, James Reed, James Brown, Andrew Richey, Joseph D.
Yeoman and Samuel Benjamin. The fall term of the year at Rens-
selaer was attended by Judge J. W. Wright, of Logansport.
The Probate Court was first opened in 1839 at the courthouse in
the Brook settlement, the Spitler house. David McConnell, judge,
finding no business on the dpcket, adjourned court. At a subsequent
session, the business consisted of granting letters of administration
to Elias Clifton on the estate of John Wolf ; setting off a dower to
Mrs. Julia Lewis, widow of Benjamin Lewis, and the issuing of a
marriage license to James Lacy and Matilda Blue, the ceremony
being performed by John Lyons.
Edwin P. Hammond
Edwin P. Hammond, one of the broadest, strongest and most
honored representatives of either bench or bar who ever graced the
profession in Jasper County, was a native Hoosier, born in Franklin
County, November 26, 1835. One of his brothers, Abram A. Ham-
mond, was at one time governor of Indiana. The judge was of sub-
stantial Maine stock, work upon the farm and years of out-door
life adding to his natural ruggedness. Until he was nineteen his
education was mainly obtained from the district schools of Brook-
ville and the neighborhood, but in 1855 ne entered a broader field of
JASPER AXD NEWTON COUNTIES 65
experience and education by commencing business life in a wholesale
drygoods house of Indianapolis. Soon afterward he assumed the
study of law in the office of his half-brother, Hon. Abram A. Ham-
mond, and Hon. Thomas H. Nelson, of Terre Haute. In the winter
of 1856-57 he was admitted to the senior law class of what is now
DePauw University and was graduated in the latter year. Immedi-
ately afterward he located at Rensselaer. His practice was inter-
rupted by his prompt enlistment for the three-months' service, at the
outbreak of the Civil war. In April. 1861. he went to the front as
second lieutenant of Company G, Xinth Indiana Infantry ; was after-
ward commissioned first lieutenant, and served under Col. Robert H.
Milroy. At the close of his military service in West Virginia, Mr.
Hammond resumed his law practice at Rensselaer and in October,
1861, was elected without opposition to the lower house of the Legis-
lature as a representative for the counties of Newton, Jasper and
Pulaski. In August of the following year he assisted in recruiting
Company A, Eighty-seventh Indiana Infantry, was commissioned
its captain, and in 1863 was advanced to the ranks of major and
lieutenant-colonel. When Col. Xewell Gleason was placed at the
head of the brigade, Mr. Hammond was advanced to the command
of the Eighty-seventh and so continued in the campaigns from Chat-
tanooga to Atlanta, and thence through the Carolinas to Washington.
At the close of the war he was b revetted colonel "for gallant and
meritorious service."
Within a few years after the war Colonel Hammond had earned
a high and substantial professional standing and a large practice,
and in March. 1873. Governor Hendricks appointed him judge of
the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit, to which office he was elected in the fall
of the same year. Again, in 1878. he was elected without opposition
for a term of six years. In May. 1883. Judge Hammond was ap-
pointed by Governor Porter judge of the State Supreme Court from
the Fifth District, succeeding William A. Woods who had become
United States district judge. Judge Hammond retired from the
bench of the State Supreme Court in January. 1885. with a judicial
record and personal popularity which few have equaled. During
the succeeding five years he practiced at Rensselaer, served again as
circuit judge from 1890 to 1892. and then formed a partnership with
Charles B. and William V. Stuart of Lafayette, under the firm
name of Stuart Brothers & Hammond. At first the Rensselaer repre-
sentative of the firm. Judge Hammond finally made his residence in
Lafayette, of which he remained a citizen and a leading lawyer from
1894 until his death in 1915. In 1892 Wabash College conferred
66 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
upon him the degree Doctor of Laws, and no such honor was ever
more worthily bestowed. Judge Hammond was a republican after
the Civil war, but, in view of his years, had little to do with politics
for a generation. He was an ardent admirer of General Grant, and
in 1872 was sent as a delegate to the Republican National Convention
at Philadelphia which nominated the silent commander for his sec-
ond presidential term.
Simon P. Thompson
Simon P. Thompson also was elected to the circuit judgeship
from Jasper County, having previously been an able member of the
bar for thirty years. His father was a Virginian, transplanted as a
boy to Ohio, and in Hancock County, of that state, was born the
future judge, Simon Parr Thompson, on the 8th of May, 1838. The
boy's schooling was all that could be expected of the frontier times
in which he was reared, but, after teaching for a time, his ambition
for a higher education than could be realized at home was partially
satisfied by a year spent as a student at Otterbein University,
Westerville, Ohio. He taught at intervals, while attending school,
and it was not until 1859 that he was able to graduate at the North-
western Normal School, Cincinnati. Three years later he was se-
lected as the head of the school at Rensselaer, where he taught two
years, and was then appointed school examiner of Jasper County.
After studying law privately, he entered the law department of the
Michigan State University, from which he was graduated in Jan-
uary, 1866. He then formed a partnership with Robert S. Dwig-
gins, which continued for three years, and subsequently associated
himself with his brother, which connection was of nearly thirty
years' duration. During that period the firm of Thompson & Brother
was widely known in Northwestern Indiana and its senior member
held the offices of prosecuting attorney, from 1872 to 1876, and state
senator in 1886-90. In 1896 he was elected judge of the Thirtieth
Circuit and served from 1897 to 1902.
Judge Thompson has made his influence felt outside the legal
field. As county school examiner he was one of the first to introduce
and advocate normal methods of instruction. His enterprise has also
been manifest in such public works as railroads, gravel roads, high-
ways, ditches and public buildings. It was largely through his influ-
ence that the milldams on the Iroquois River were removed, resulting
in a great benefit to the public health. The judge has also done a
good work in buying large tracts of land held by non-residents and
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 67
selling it to settlers who have improved it and thus benefitted the
county. He reclaimed a large tract of swamp land in Union Town-
ship by the construction of about fifteen miles of ditches, and
divided it into small farms which have since gone into the hands
of actual owners and been made attractive and productive. All of
which marks the judge as a citizen of broad usefulness, ability and
versatility.
Robert S. Dwiggins
There were few practitioners at the Jasper County bar of a
stronger character, or greater diversity of talents than Robert S.
Dwiggins. He was a leading lawyer, a prominent republican and
state legislator, an earnest, moral man, and a deeply religious char-
acter, being a regularly ordained minister of the Church of God, in
which he stood as a national figure. He was a native of Ohio, but
was only two years of age when the family moved to Grant County,
Indiana, then (1836) a frontier country. The boy was educated in
the common schools and at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio,
and except when he was away to school his life, until he reached his
twenty-fourth year, was passed on a farm. In March, 1859, when he
located at Rensselaer to study law in the office of Robert S. Milroy,
the horizon of his life commenced at once to expand.
In i860 Mr. Dwiggins was admitted to the bar and at once entered
practice. But his progress was stayed for a time by the Civil war.
The day after Lincoln's call for 75,000 men, he enlisted for three
months in Captain Milroy's company of the Ninth Indiana and
served through the West Virginia campaign. In 1862 he was com-
missioned by Governor Morton as recruiting lieutenant and enlisted
about 200 men for the Eighty-seventh Regiment. He also recruited
a company for the Ninety-ninth Regiment, but on account of ill
health he was unable to get the company into camp before the quota
was full, and he did not again enter the service. Again he entered
law practice, which he continued until 1879, when he and his brother
Zimri organized the Citizens Bank of Rensselaer.
Mr. Dwiggins cast his first vote for the republican party, which
was organized soon after he attained his majority. In i860, soon
after his admission to the bar, he was elected district prosecuting
attorney, which he resigned for service in the West Virginia cam-
paign. In 1867 he became connected with the Federal service as
inspector of snuff, tobacco and cigars ; was chosen presidential elector
on the republican ticket in 1868, and two years later was elected to
68 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the State Senate for the district comprising the counties of Jasper,
Newton, Benton, White and Pulaski. For some years he had been
an earnest opponent of the liquor traffic, and while a member of the
Senate was chairman of the committee on temperance. It was largely
through his efforts and the work of the committee which he headed,
that the Baxter bill was passed, which was the first local-option law
enacted in the State of Indiana. Although the prohibition party did
not poll enough votes to bring its leaders public preferment, its mem-
bers in Indiana showed their estimate of Mr. Dwiggins' services in
behalf of the cause by nominating him for governor in 1884 and
judge of the Supreme Court in 1886.
As a figure in the Church of God, Mr. Dwiggins attained much
eminence. He was widely known as a minister and exhorter and
was twice president of the national conference.
Mr. Dwiggins' activities were so varied, numerous, continuous
and strenuous, that his physical system broke under the strain, and
in 1886 he was obliged to retire from active life. His later years were
spent in travel through the United States, Canada and Mexico, and
in recording his impressions and deductions as a forceful, graphic
and philosophical writer.
MORDECAI F. CHILCOTE
Mordecai F. Chilcote, the venerable lawyer of Rensselaer, has
also been a leading soldier, republican and educator. By marriage
he is identified with the best traditions of the bench and bar of Jasper
County, his wife having been a sister of Judge E. P. Hammond.
Mrs. Chilcote died in 1885.
Mr. Chilcote, who is a native of Ohio, moved with the family to
Eaton County, Michigan, in 1852. He was then twelve years of age
and passed his boyhood and youth on the family farm and in school.
From the time he was eighteen until he reached his twentieth year
he was a student at Olivet (Mich.) College and then came to Jasper
County to teach school. He had made little progress in that line
when, in 1861, he enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Regiment for the
three months' service, and re-enlisted in the Forty-eighth. Six months
later he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and soon afterward
to a captaincy. He saw active service in the West Virginia cam-
paigns, Department of the Tennessee, but upon his return to
Rensselaer resumed his interrupted course as a teacher.
At the same time Mr. Chilcote commenced the study of law in the
office of Hammond & Spitler, and in April, 1868, graduated from the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 69
law department of the University of Michigan. His practical ability
was soon recognized, not only in the practice of his profession, but in
public and political affairs. He obtained quite an extensive corpora-
tion business and was for some years local attorney for the Monon
Railway. For more than twenty years he was a member of the
school board of Rensselaer and did much for the efficiency and expan-
sion of the city's educational system. Since he became a voter he has
been a republican and has gained prominence in the party, having
served for ten years as chairman of the county central committee
and (in 1892) as a delegate to the national republican convention
from the Tenth Congressional District. His name therefore stands
for not a few substantial and honorable things in Jasper County.
CHAPTER VI
LAND HIGHWAYS
Indian Trails in Jasper County— The White Man's Trails and
Early Roads — Bridges as Connecting Links — Thwarted At-
tempts at Railroad Building — Indianapolis, Delphi & Chi-
cago-Line, a Success — Rensselaer Gets Railway Connection
NOW IN THE MONON SYSTEM — THE BlG FOUR — THE THREE I'S
Railroad — The Chicago & Eastern Illinois.
The highways of the land, from the Indian trail to the modern
railroad, have always been laid down from the beginning of time by
the bold features and provisions of nature. The trend of the courses
of travel between region and region, settlement and settlement, town
and city, state and state, country and country, is decided by great
lakes, rugged mountain chains, broad and productive valleys, fertile
plains, rank and repellant marshes, sources of food supply, means of
shelter, and healthful and convenient sites for homes and communi-
ties. Jasper County was rather outside of such basic influences as
thus determine the courses of the great highways of travel and
communication, and the paths which passed through its territory
diverged into the grander highways determined by the lakes of the
north and the splendid valleys of the south.
Indian Trails in Jasper County
When the white settlers first came into the county they found
several pronounced Indian trails worn into the sod of the prairies
eight or ten inches, and about eighteen inches in width. One of the
best known of them led from Lake Michigan across the Kankakee
near the Baum bridge, and took nearly a direct course to the Indian
village in Newton Township. Another connected the village with the
one in the eastern part of the county, crossed the Iroquois west of
Rensselaer and recrossed it some distance east. From the latter
point the trail extended to the Monon River and thence to the
Wabash. Still another crossed the county through the Forks Settle-
70
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
71
ment toward La Porte. These were the principal trails in Jasper
County which served as rude landways, or links, between the region
around the southern shores of Lake Michigan and the valley of the
Wabash, and paths between the several small Pottawattamie villages
of what is now a white man's county.' A few white men also trod
these Indian trails until the new landlords commenced to lay out
another set of roads according to their own ideas of what they
should be.
The White Man's Trails and Early Roads
Blazed and staked roads pioneered the way for those that were
regularly laid out. The old Horse Head road was, perhaps, the link
1
Familiar Object on the Early Roads
between the two classes of roads. This was in the eastern part of
the county and took its name from a horse skull which was placed
upon a large bowlder and was a conspicuous landmark on the route.
The State road was the first legally established highway, leading
from Williamsport on the Wabash River and the head of early navi-
gation, to Winamac, important in the pioneer period as the location
of the land office. This road extended from the first named place,
by the most available and direct route, to the Falls of the Iroquois;
thence to the now-extinct Village of Saltillo, crossing the Iroquois ;
again at the old ford above the farm of John Groom, and crossing
the Pinkamink on the old bridge at Saltillo and thence, by way of
72 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
White Post, to Winamac. The Saltillo Bridge was the first structure
of the kind in the county, and the Indian trail-road which led from
Rensselaer northward to the Kankakee River was probably the second
thoroughfare. The latter crossed at Eaton's Ferry, or the old Baum
Bridge, built at a later day.
Bridges as Connecting Links
Congress early granted a 3 per cent fund for the building of
roads and bridges, and in 1835 Thomas Randle was appointed agent
for its disbursement. Porter County was much interested in having
a bridge put across the river at this point, but Randle refused to
draw anything from the fund to aid the enterprise. He was accord-
ingly displaced, and Joseph Schipp, who moved over the river from
Porter, was appointed to succeed him. Under the new agent the
bridge was commenced in December, 1837, but after the log piers had
been built and the stringers placed for a completed structure three-
quarters of a mile long, everything was swept away by fire. Subse-
quently a bridge over 700 feet long was completed at that locality,
Jasper County constructing the long and substantial grade at the
southern end.
Thwarted Attempts at Railroad Building
But the necessity for passable routes and crossings was eventually
solved, in large part, by the coming of the railroads, although relief
was not practically realized in Jasper County until the late '70s, or
less than forty years ago. The narrative of earnest and repeated
attempts in that direction is not especially interesting reading, only
as showing the determination and long-tried courage of the people.
As early as 1852 a road was projected from New London, Ohio,
to Chicago, which was designed to pass through Jasper County, but
it was killed by the financial stringency of 1857. Jasper and Newton
counties were mainly concerned in the course which the road would
take from Fort Wayne, and there was a brisk competition between
Kankakee and Rensselaer as to which should be selected as the prin-
cipal station in Northwestern Indiana. Obviously, Rochester and
Winamac were logical co-workers with Rensselaer in the matter, but
neither side won, as the hard times of 1857, added to the heavy
defalcation of the Ohio state treasurer, whose bondsmen were also
leaders in the railroad enterprise, effectually squelched the Fort
Wayne project and the Rock Island air line.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 73
In the early '70s the railroad scheme was revived under the
name of the Continental Railway Company, which was known in
Indiana as the Fort Wayne & Western Railroad. Robert S. Dwiggins
was president of this company. A branch from Rensselaer to Chicago
was chartered, with the understanding that large railroad shops were
to be located at the Indiana town, which was to be an important
section point for the transfer of traffic between eastern and western
sections. Jasper County raised $50,000 by taxation, and about as
much more by subscriptions, conditional upon the road being con-
structed in two years ; but the subscriptions were never collected and
the taxes were refunded, as all that was actually accomplished was
the grading of fifteen miles of the road-bed east of Rensselaer. From
New York to Council Bluffs, Iowa, more than 1,100 miles, the
Continental Railway was projected as a first-class road at a cost of
$150,000,000, but it was frost-bitten and blighted by the financial
disasters of 1873.
Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago Line, a Success
The Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago Railroad, organized in May,
1869, under the Indiana state laws, survived and gave to Rensselaer
and the populous parts of Jasper County their first connection by
rail. It was reorganized in September, 1872, and projected a line
from Indianapolis to Frankfort, Clinton County, Monticello, White
County, Rensselaer, Jasper County, Lowell and Dyer, Lake County,
and Chicago, Cook County. Not until 1877 were subscriptions for the
building of the road through Jasper County actively solicited; the
amount asked was $50,000. Late in the year named, Alfred McCoy,
R. S. Dwiggins and Ira W. Yeoman, took the lead in the movement,
held meetings in the schoolhouses in the northern part of the county
and at various places in Rensselaer, so that by October the entire
amount had been pledged.
On the 3d of October, 1877, the company contracted with Yeo-
man, Hegler & Company for the construction of the road, the firm
named to furnish all the material and engineers necessary to lay out
and construct the grades. The road was to be three feet gauge ; road-
bed eight feet wide on top and the rails to be not less than thirty-five
pounds to the yard. The line was divided into eight divisions : The
first, from Dyer to the south line of Lake County ; second, from the
Lake County line to Rensselaer; third, from Rensselaer to Bradford;
fourth, from Bradford to Monticello ; fifth, from Monticello to
Delphi ; sixth, from Delphi to Rossville ; seventh, from Rossville to
Frankfort ; eighth, from Frankfort to Indianapolis.
74 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
. . Rensselaer Gets Railway Connection
Work was at once begun on the third division, and on Thursday,
February 14, 1878, Rensselaer celebrated its completion by a barbe-
cue, a free excursion on the road and an enthusiastic meeting. Mr.
McCoy furnished the fatted ox of the occasion — 834 pounds net.
Some 2,000 persons were present, and for the first time the inland
county seat experienced the joys and advantages of railroad com-
munication. The fourth division was completed from Bradford to
Monticello in August, 1878, and on the 4th of September, 1879, tne
road was opened from Rensselaer to Delphi.
NOW IN THE MONON SYSTEM
That was the extent of narrow gauge track that was constructed ;
for soon afterward the road was absorbed by the Louisville, New
Albany & Chicago Railroad Company. The line from Rensselaer to
Chicago was constructed as standard gauge; the part already con-
structed was widened to the new gauge. The road was opened from
Delphi to Chicago in 1882 and from Delphi to Indianapolis in 1883.
It is now part of the Monon System. It passes diagonally across
the county, from southeast to northwest and its stations are Pleas-
ant Ridge, Rensselaer, Surrey, Parr and Fair Oaks.
The Big Four
The Toledo, Logansport & Burlington Railroad Company com-
menced laying its tracks at Reynolds, White County, the junction
with the New Albany & Salem Railroad, in July, 1859. and had
completed the line through the southern part of Jasper County by
the end of the year. It passed through a rich agricultural and graz-
ing country and was the means of founding Remington. The original
road subsequently passed under the control of the Pittsburgh, Cin-
cinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company and, eventually, of the Chi-
cago, Cincinnati, Columbus & St. Louis (Big Four) Railroad.
The Three Ps Railroad
What was long popularly known as the "Three Fs" Railroad was
built through the northern part of Jasper and the southern portion of
Lake County, in the early '80s. It is now a portion of the New York
Central System. Its stations are Dunnville, Wheatfield, Stoutsberg
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 75
and DeMotte. In 1883, when the line through the thick of the swamp
lands was nearing its completion,' a local writer spoke of it in this
way : "The Plymouth, Kankakee & Pacific Railroad is a line that has
been agitated for some ten or twelve years. It is now known as the
Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad Company, and at the present writ-
ing (1883) is building its track through the townships of Kankakee,
Wheatfield and Keener. This line passes through a sparsely settled
part of the county, and attracts but little interest in it. The locality
through which it passes will undoubtedly be greatly benefited, but
its general importance to the county is not great"
The Chicago & Eastern Illinois
The Chicago & Eastern Illinois, or the Chicago & Wabash Valley,
known at its inception in 1879-80 as the Chicago & Great Southern
or Indiana & Great Southern, furnishes Newton County with its
chief transportation facilities, although from Mount Ayr it turns
toward the northeast, effects a junction with the Monon Line at
Fair Oaks, Jasper County, and with the Three I's at Wheatfield,
thereby adding to the railway accommodations of the northwestern
sections of Jasper. In Newton County the line has been incorporated
by the New York Central System.
CHAPTER VII
GENERAL AND STATISTICAL
Decadal Population, 1840-1910 — County Revenue and Taxable
Property — Present Area and Value of Property — County
Finances — The Swamp Lands Scandal — Draining and Im-
provement of the Lands — Jasper County Agricultural
Society.
Various details of the county's development have been set forth,
such as the formation of its civil divisions, the establishment and
progress of its courts, the building of its avenues of travel and
communication, and the natural background of aboriginal exit and
the entry of white pioneers. The rule is, with the readers of books
the world over, to lightly pass over statistics ; but figures have their
good uses, if applied in moderation, and they are mainly grouped in
this chapter.
Decadal Population, 1840- 19 10
In giving the national census for the years ending the past eight
decades, an increase of population is shown for every such period
except the last, and there is every probability that 1920 will decidedly
reverse the slight decadence. The small increase shown by com-
paring the figures of 1850 with those of i860 is explained by the fact
that old Jasper County had been cut in two to form the revived
County of Newton, the first census of which (i860) indicated a
population of 2,360.
In 1840 the population of Jasper County was 1,267; I85°» 3.54°;
i860, 4,291; 1870, 6,354; l88o, 9,464. The showing for the past
three decadal years, by townships and incorporated towns, is as
follows :
1910 1900 1890
Jasper County 13,044 14,292 11,185
Barkley Township 1,074 1,303 1,093
Carpenter Twp., including Remington Town . . 1,968 2,198 2,058
Remington Town 982 1,120 940
76
753
622
480
479
771
631
472
4i3
764
492
3484
2,568
2,255
i,455
396
259
558
585
i,3i9
747
909
687
886
55i
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 77
Gillam Township 609
Hanging- Grove Township 432
Jordan Township 637
Kankakee Township 406
Keener Township 711
Marion Township, including Rensselaer City. . 3,692
Rensselaer City 2,393
Milroy Township 286
Newton Township 531
Union Township 1,281
Walker Township 655
Wheatfield Twp., including Wheatfield Town. 762
Wheatfield Town 357 366
County Revenue and Taxable Property
The earliest available statistics relating to Jasper County were
gathered for the 1840 census. Keeping in mind that its territory
then embraced virtually what are now the counties of Newton, Ben-
ton and Jasper, the statement will be appreciated that it then con-
tained 138 polls and taxable property amounting to $20,347. In
1840 Jasper County embraced an area of about 1,300 square miles; it
was larger than the present State of Rhode Island.
In 1844, the revenue of the county, Benton having been struck
off, was $457.87.
In 1850, the Indiana State Gazetteer publishes the following:
"Jasper is the largest county in the state and contains about 975
square miles ; but Beaver Lake, the Kankakee Marshes and the
Grand Prairie occupy so large a portion of it that its settlement and
improvement have hitherto proceeded slowly. It is divided into
eight townships, viz : Iroquois, Newton, Marion, Barkley, Jordan,
Beaver, Jackson and Gillam."
In 1856-57 the county revenue was over $9,000 and the taxable
property was reported at $1,540,000. In 1882 the income of the
county, shorn of what is now Newton since 1859, was $111,738.
Present Area and Value of Property
The assessors of the county collect much valuable and interesting
information for those who understand its significance. Their latest
available figures for 1916 indicate that the county has an area of over
354,000 acres, or nearly 555 square miles. It is divided, and
assessed for purposes of taxation, as follows :
78
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Twps. and Corps. Acres
Barkley Township 38,085.51
Carpenter Township 32,835.87
Gillam Township 24,174.74
Hanging Grove Township. 19,025.61
Jordan Township 23,869.62
Kankakee Township 16,612.02
Keener Township 30,125.28
Marion Township 31,928.82
Milroy Township 15,164.65
Newton Township 21,795.70
Union Township 35>579-23
Walker Township 37.3337s
Wheatfield Township 27,336.18
Rensselaer Corp 460.84
Remington Corp 190.27
Wheatfield Corp 234.76
Total 354,752.88
Value Lots and
Twps. and Corps. Improvements
Barkley Township $ 4,550
Carpenter Township
Gillam Township 360
Hanging Grove Township .
Jordan Township
Kankakee Township 5,805
Keener Township 20,155
Marion Township 3-995
Milroy Township
Newton Township 960
Union Township 37>3r5
Walker Township 2,995
Wheatfield Township 2,240
Rensselaer Corp 683,420
Remington Corp 233,680
Wheatfield Corp 37,955
Total $1,033,430
Value Lands and
Number
Improvements
of Lots
$ 1,034,095
95
1,567,165
650,350
58
537,040
745,465
327,810
152
535,425
195
1,528,525
202
290,095
710,330
52
894,260
533
563,7!°
27
496,530
785
165,135
2,173
82,145
582
15,275
325
$10,143,355
4,488
Value Total Value
Personal
Taxable
Property
Property
$ 295,315 $
i,333,96o
288,835
1,856,000
154,105
804,815
112,310
649,350
202,555
948,020
105,365
438,980
87,480
643,060
282,840
1,815,360
76,845
366,940
197,595
908,885
254,455
1,186,030
143,595
710,300
91,140
589,910
563,070
1,411,625
152,655
468,480
98,715
151,945
$3,106,875 $
14,283,660
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 79
County Finances
From the report of the county auditor and the county treasurer
it is evident how large a portion of the expenditures go toward the
support of education, in various forms, and toward the maintenance
of the highways of the county up to the standards of the day. The
state school tax disbursed amounted to $18,644; local tuition tax,
$36,211; special school tax, $36,690; common school, $22,366; and
city and state vocational, $2,591. During the year there were ex-
pended for gravel road repairs, $20,416; road taxes, $27,900; bridge
construction and repairs, $28,741 ; other expenditures on roads,
ditches, etc., $3,380.
Including the balances of the different funds on hand January 1,
191 5, the total receipts for the year were $876,004.86, and the dis-
bursements, $665,262.16, leaving a balance in the treasury, Decem-
ber 31, 1915, of $210,742.70.
The Swamp Lands Scandal
Jasper County, as will be realized by a comparison of the assessed
valuation of lots, or town property, with that of township lands, or
rural property, is overwhelmingly agricultural. Great progress has
been made within the past twenty years in the draining both of its
swamp lands and those which are on a higher level. It was many
yeas before the settlers, as a whole, had free access to the choice
bottom lands, in which ditch contractors, politicians, state and county
officials speculated so outrageously and which they — at least, "mo-
nopolized"— so dishonorably. These manipulations and scandals
constituted one of the most serious drawbacks to legitimate settle-
ment and improvement with which the reputable public has ever
contended. A review of this disagreeable chapter in the history of
Jasper County is therefore presented.
By congressional act of September 20, 1850, the swamp lands
belonging to the United States were granted to the State of Indiana,
upon condition that they should be drained and made fit for agricul-
tural purposes. A second act passed in March, 1855, added various
tracts located by holders of military land warrants, making the total
amount thus turned over to the state by the General Government,
1,252,000 acres. To carry out the provisions of the law the governor
appointed various swamp land commissioners who had the handling
of the funds to be expended for ditching and other improvements,
but which, as subsequent transactions and investigations proved,
80 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
were diverted from their legitimate purposes into the pockets of such
officials.
In the report of the legislative committee appointed to investigate
these frauds in 1859 appears the following regarding the peculations
charged to Jasper County: "In the county of Jasper our investiga-
tions have satisfied us that the officials of the county have not only
aided others in the commission of great frauds upon the Swamp
Land funds, but have also been participants in the profits arising
therefrom. In this charge we make no reference to the present treas-
urer and auditor of the county. The commissioner, at a letting of a
large amount of ditching under a law of 1852, let almost the entire
work to one man for the sum of twenty cents the cubic yard, although
at this letting were other good and responsible bids for the same work
at fourteen cents the cubic yard, and one as low as ten cents. The
ditching contracted for at this letting has never been finished ac-
cording to the plans and specifications, and some of the ditches are
useless. The entire estimate of this work, amounting to $39,451,
has been paid to the contractor. According to the testimony before
us, this one transaction has resulted in great loss to the Swamp Land
fund, and loss to the value of real estate in the vicinity of the work.
"In the year 1856, without the color of law and in violation of
all right, the then auditor of state, Hiram E. Talbot, directed the
auditor of Jasper county to withdraw from sale a large amount of
swamp lands designated by him. The committee are compelled to
conclude that this order was prompted with a view to personal and
private speculation. This, no doubt, was the commencement of a
system of frauds unheard of heretofore. A spirit of speculation in
these lands was engendered and in a short time there were formed
four separate companies who selected, as they termed it, and actually
obtained, by the complicity of the swamp land commissioners, deeds
for about 124,000 acres of the best of the lands vacant in the
county. The deeds to these lands were procured without the shadow
of law from the officers of the state."
The Swamp Land Act of March, 1857, required that- these
fraudulent conveyances should be returned and cancelled when the
work was not completed; also provided that the contractors might
file with the county auditor lists of the lands selected by them, to be
taken for payment for ditching: actually constructed. Under this law
the swamp land commissioner of Jasper County confirmed all the
old contracts at 20 cents per cubic yard, which had been originally
let at from 12 to 1 8 cents, and the contractors were permitted to file
unlimited lists of lands. Thus all the unsold swamp lands in Jasper
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
81
County, amounting to 175,000 acres (or half its total area), were ab-
sorbed, and nearly all the contractors without paying out any actual
money, by private arrangement with the treasurer of Jasper County,
were able to obtain certificates of purchase and land patents. These
amounted to $100,000, which should have been turned over by the
county treasurer to his successor. This was never done, for the
very good reason that the money was never turned into the treasury.
Upon the expiration of his term of office, the county treasurer was
sued as a defaulter to the swamp land fund, compromised by giving
his notes for $23,000, was appointed state swamp land commis-
Reclaimed Swamp Lands
sioner, and in that capacity, during 1859, was also sued for defalca-
tion. In view of these facts, the investigating committee recom-
mended to the governor that the defaulting official be removed from
office.
Draining and Improvement of the Lands
The outcome of such speculations was so disastrous that it took
many years for incoming settlers to venture into the swamp-land
region, and as long as they remained under the direct control of the
state few tracts were taken up and improved. But in March, 1873,
an act was passed by the Legislature authorizing the formation of
ditch and draining companies and giving them power to assess bene-
82 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
fits against all lands improved by their work. That act, although
somewhat complicated, was a beginning and, as improved by subse-
quent measures, finally gave both the county and private enterprise
a certain confidence which has resulted in reclaiming most of the
large areas of swamp lands to productive cultivation. It was some
years, however, even after the passage of the 1873 act before more
than two or three minor ditches had been constructed in Kankakee
and Wheatfield townships. The building of the Illinois, Indiana &
Iowa Railroad through the Kankakee marshes of Northern Jasper
and Southern Lake, in the early '80s also had a good effect.
Jasper County Agricultural Society
In the improvement of the farm lands of Jasper County, whether
they lay in the lowlands of the Kankakee region or the more elevated
tracts watered by the Iroquois River of the southern sections, the
County Agricultural Society has been a constant and influential
factor. Originally known as the Jasper County Agricultural and
Mechanical Association, it was formed in December, 1858. Several
small fairs had been held previously, but that organization pre-
sented the first successful attempt at co-operation among the farm-
ers and their wives and daughters. The first officers of the associa-
tion were : Robert Parker, president ; J. C. Post, vice president ;
Alfred McCoy, treasurer; S. Donaldson, secretary. Its first fair was
held September 27-29, 1859, on tne grounds of the association, which
comprised seven acres about a mile down the river from Rensselaer
and on the north shore. The report was that "although the occa-
sion was somewhat marred by the wet weather, the exhibition was
generally voted a success. Floral Hall was well filled and the ladies
department was well represented. The show of agricultural products
was good ; the show of live stock, not so good. There were some
fine blooded animals, however, shown in the ring ; cattle, horses and
hogs were represented, and, for the first exhibition, the display was
encouraging. The society had purchased ground and fenced it, and
considerable revenue was derived from the admissions."
After the County Agricultural and Mechanical Association had
struggled along for more than twenty years and become hopelessly
entangled in debt, it was succeeded by the Jasper County Agricultural
Society, organized July 18, 1879. The first fair of the new society,
held October 7-10, 1879, is a fair index of the progress of agriculture
in the county, and the status, of such matters, at that time. The show
of horses, cattle and hogs was excellent ; that of sheep and poultry,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 83
passable ; of apples, remarkably fine ; of corn and other cereals, Irish
potatoes and produce of the garden, probably never surpassed for
excellence in any exhibition. The society then owned twenty acres
of ground and its officers were : William K. Parkinson, president ;
Marion L. Spitler, vice president ; David H. Yeoman, superintendent.
CHAPTER VIII
GROUNDWORK OF AMERICAN GROWTH
Basis of the American Public School — Territorial and Early
State Legislation — First Township Schools — The Old-
Time Subscription Concern — Created in Three Days —
Founding a Regular System — Building Schoolhouses Un-
der the New Order — Deciding on Teacher's Qualifications
— -Pioneer Schools in Jasper County — The County's
Sources of Educational Revenue.
Nothing was ever done by either the French or British govern-
ments to establish or encourage a system of public schools among
their scattered subjects in the western wilds, but with the first exten-
sion of American paper rule over the Northwest, the cause was
brought forward as one of the fundamentals of popular sovereignty.
Basis of the American Public School
As has been stated, a congressional ordinance of 1785 provided
for the donation of section 16 in every township for the maintenance
of public schools, and the more comprehensive and famous measure
of 1787 declared that "religion, morality and knowledge being neces-
sary to the government and happiness of mankind, schools and
means of education shall be forever encouraged." In this matter
the fathers of the Northwest sustained the founders of the United
States, and its greatest supporters ever since, and proclaimed them-
selves both idealists and practical men. They first provided the basis
of a fund for the popular schools ; then pledged the future generations
of America forever to encourage them. Forever is a large word, but
America has always dealt in futures, and after 129 years have passed
since that pledge was given, the generations of the present are en-
couraging the cause of public education with greater zeal and im-
measurably greater resources than their sponsors of 1787 ever
dreamed of.
84
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 85
Territorial and Early State Legislation
Indiana territory had the Indians to fight, as well as the wilder-
ness to break, but her public men brought up the subject repeatedly,
Governor Harrison, in one of his messages, suggesting that military
education be grafted into the public system. In 1807, after a
sweeping preamble re-dedicating the people to the principle of pop-
ular education, the Legislature incorporated the Vincennes Univer-
sity "for the instruction of youth in the Latin, Greek, French and
English languages, mathematics, natural philosophy, logic, rhetoric,
and the laws of nature and nations." In the following year the Ter-
ritorial Legislature authorized the judges of the Courts of Common
Pleas to lease the school lands, and in 1810 they were authorized
to appoint trustees for that purpose ; these agents, however, were
forbidden to lease more than 160 acres to any one person, and the
destruction of timber on the leased lands was forbidden. These acts
concluded the actual performances in behalf of the cause, but, con-
sidering how many other measures came before the territorial au-
thorities and legislators in the nature of self-defense and self-preser-
vation, it is remarkable that so much was accomplished.
The first state constitution, adopted in 181 6, provided that none
of the school lands should be sold by the authority of the state
previous to 1820, and that it should be the duty of the General As-
sembly, as soon as possible, "to provide by law for a general sys-
tem of education, ascending in a regular graduation from township
schools to a state university, wherein tuition shall be gratis and
equally open to all. And for the promotion of such salutary end,
the money which shall be paid as an equipalent by persons exempt
from military duty, except in times of war, shall be exclusively,
and in equal proportion, applied to the support of county seminaries ;
and all fines assessed for any breach of the penal laws shall be applied
to said seminaries in the counties wherein they shall be assessed."
The General Assembly of 18 16 took up the work and made pro-
vision for the appointment of superintendents of school sections,
with power to lease the school lands for any term not to exceed
seven years, and each lessee was required to set out annually on
such lands twenty-five apple and twenty-five peach trees until 100
of each had been planted. Between 1816 and 1820 several academies,
seminaries and literary societies were incorporated in the older and
more populous counties.
86 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
First Township Schools
The first measure which provided for any comprehensive system
of public education was passed in 1824, the bill being the result of
the labors of a special commission appointed by the Legislature sev-
eral years before; the act, which became law, was "to incorporate
congressional townships and provide for public schools therein."
After providing for the election of three school trustees in each
township, who should control section 16 and all other matters con-
nected with public education, the law made provision for the erection
of schoolhouses as follows : "Every able-bodied male person of the
age of twenty-one years and upwards residing within the bounds of
such school district, shall be liable to work one day in each week
until such building may be completed, or pay the sum of thirty-seven
and one-half cents for every day he may fail to work." The trustees
might also receive lumber, nails, glass or other necessary building
material, in lieu either of work or the daily wages.
The Old-Time Subscription Concern
The schoolhouse, according to the law of 1824, provided: "In
all cases such schoolhouse shall be eight feet between the floors, and
at least one foot from the surface of the ground to the first floor,
and be furnished in a manner calculated to render comfortable the
teacher and pupils." As no funds were provided for the pay of
teachers or the erection of buildings, the schools were kept open as
long as the subscriptions held out, and the comfort of the teacher
and pupils depended on the character of the householders who sup-
ported the school. Neither could the school trustees levy a tax
except by special permission of the district, and even then the
expenditure was limited to $50.
In 1832 the Legislature ordered the sale of all county seminaries,
the net proceeds to be added to the permanent school fund. Its
action did not affect Jasper County, as that year marked the coming
of its first permanent settler. In 1837, however, the county received
its quota of the surplus disbursed from the United States Treasury
to the various states during the preceding year. Indiana's share was
$806,000, and of that sum the Legislature set aside $573,000 for the
permanent use of the common schools of the state ; but only the
interest of the fund could be used by the counties.
When Jasper County commenced its political existence in the
late '30s, there were no public schools within her borders, and nearly
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 87
twenty years were to pass before anything like the prevailing system
of popular education was to be in force. The conditions prevailing
in the pioneer period were these: "The man or woman who had a
desire to become an instructor would get up a written agreement
called a subscription paper, and pass it around among the people of
a certain neighborhood for signatures. The agreement usually called
for a certain number of pupils at a certain price per pupil, and when
the required number was obtained the school would begin. The
ruling price for a term of three months was two dollars per pupil,
and the number of pupils to be taught was to be not less than
twenty. The board and lodging for the teacher would be provided
by the patrons of the school, each one, in turn, furnishing a share
during the term, or, if the teacher preferred, which was nearly
always the case, he or she might chose a boarding place and remain
there during the term for a small compensation to the patron of the
school whose home was selected. The board and lodging of the school
teacher were regarded as small matters by the early settlers, and
one dollar peT week was taken as ample compensation for the trouble
imposed by this arrangement. The first plan was designated as
'boarding among the scholars' and the second, as 'boarding himself
or 'boarding herself.'
Created in Three Days
"The first matter of importance before the beginning of the school
was to provide a building for the accommodation of the teacher and
pupils ; but that was also an easy matter for the pioneers. ' The set-
tlers of a neighborhood would get together on a specified day, say
a Thursday, and begin the erection of a schoolhouse at some point
as nearly central in the neighborhood as a site could be procured ;
which was always easy to obtain, as land was worth one dollar and
twenty-five cents per acre, and a suitable site could be found where
the owner of the land, if he had children of school age, was only
too willing to donate an acre or half an acre of his land for the
purpose. Beginning the building on Thursday, they would finish
their work on or before Saturday night, so that it would be ready
for occupancy on Monday morning."
Founding a Regular System
With the inauguration of the constitution of 185 1, much con-
fusion and working at cross purposes were cleared away, and a work-
88 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
ing plan to develop a regular system of popular education was
evolved. -By legislative act "to provide for a uniform system of
Common Schools and School Libraries, and matters properly con-
nected therewith," approved June 14, 1852, the way was made clear
for the establishment of the public educational system which is still
expanding and developing in its details.
The free school system of Indiana became practically operative
on the first Monday in April, 1853, when the township trustees for
school purposes were elected. The new law gave them the manage-
ment of the school affairs of the township, subject to the action of
A Rural School of Today
the voters. But it was a number of years before Jasper County was
able to derive much practical benefit from the system, the quota of
the common school fund derived from the state being small and
increased slowly, as it was based upon the number of children of
school age residing in the various districts. In the meantime most
of the actual management of school matters was vested in the old-
time school examiner.
Building Schoolhouses Under the New Order
In 1859 the board of three township trustees was abolished and
school matters were placed in the keeping of one trustee, who was
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 89
enabled to work to greater advantage with the examiner than under
the old system, but it was not until nearly twenty years later that the
trustee assumed greater control of the schools within the township.
As the interest of the common school fund was only available, under
the constitution, it usually became necessary for the citizens of a
district in pressing need of a schoolhouse to contribute a portion of
the expense incurred in its erection, furnishing and maintenance. The
law required the trustee to own the land upon which every school-
house was erected, and a perfect title from the owner of the land
to the trustee and his succesors in office must be procured before
the building could be commenced. A word from the trustee express-
ing the necessity for a new schoolhouse usually brought a dozen offers
from property owners offering sites of half an acre to an acre, pro-
vided the township would meet the expenses of executing and re-
cording the deed. Land was much cheaper than money in those
days; but the early settlers contributed of both, as well as of honest
labor and necessary materials, for the erection of the building which
was to house their children as pupils. Not infrequently the trustee
erected a neat frame building beside the old log schoolhouse, that
the entire township might compare the two with pride over the
improvement.
Deciding on Teacher's Qualifications
Having procured their certificates of qualification from the county
examiner, the applicants for the position of teacher laid their cases
before the trustee; the primary selection rested with him, his choice
being ratified by the patrons of the school. Sometimes, when there
was a decided division of sentiment as to the merits of several can-
didates, a meeting was held and the decision left to a majority vote.
Good conduct determined the length of service, and the question of
salary was left to the patrons of the school. The average salary for
the male teacher of the earlier years was $20.00 a month and
board, the female instructor drawing about half that amount. The
farm hand was paid about the same wages, and the fairly-educated
laborer was quite apt to prefer a cozy district schoolroom to outdoor
work, especially in winter. So that there was seldom any dearth of
district school teachers. As the standard of qualification was raised,
the supply of male teachers decreased, which heralded a brighter day
for the prospects of the school ma'am.
90 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Pioneer Schools in Jasper County
The early settlers of Jasper were not behind the general senti-
ment of the state in their appreciation of the advantages of schools,
and long before the state could give the scattered communities aid,
they had a number of subscription schools. Neighborhoods turned
out and put up the cabin, and each patron paid the expense of the
teacher's salary in proportion to number of children sent. Money
was scarce, but anything the settler had was valuable to the teacher,
and by exchange the farmer's hog or cow was transformed into
the children's education. In the Barkley settlement, the first school
was held in the winter of 1838-39, and taught by a Mr. Webster;
in the Blue Grass settlement, the first school was opened about 1840,
by a Miss Price, and G. W. Spitler taught the first school at Rensse-
laer in 1841. The growth of schools in Jasper County was sub-
ject to all the hindrances of a sparsely-settled country and the
limited means of the pioneers. The slow growth of the popula-
tion deferred the improvement of these early schools, and in 1858
there were but eight schoolhouses in the combined territory of the
present counties of Jasper and Newton.
The County's Sources of Educational Revenue
In the early '70s, or twenty years after the establishment of
the system of popular education, which has since been so greatly
broadened through teachers' institutes and other agencies, the schools
of the state, and therefore of Jasper County, had eleven sources
of revenue, as follows :
1. The congressional township fund, consisting of the money
arising from the sale of section 16 throughout the land.
2. The Saline fund comprising a portion of the salt springs
properties (limited to thirty-six sections), which represented the
second land grant made by Congress to the Territory of Indiana.
3. The surplus revenue fund, distributed among the different
states in 1836 (as noted), of which Indiana's share was $573,000.
4. The bank tax fund, derived from an assessment of 12^2
cents upon each share of stock held by individuals in the state bank.
5. The sinking fund, comprising the residue of money bor-
rowed by the state to pay its subscription to the stock of the state
bank and to assist individual stockholders.
6. All fines for a violation of the penal laws of the state which
had been made a part of the permanent school fund.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 91
7. All recognizances of witnesses and persons indicted for crime,
when forfeited.
8. All moneys arising from the estates of persons dying intestate.
9. The proceeds of the sale of swamp lands, when no special
purpose was expressed in the grant, after deducting the expenses
incurred in selecting and draining them.
10. Taxes on the property of corporations that were assessed by
the General Assembly for common school purposes.
11. Rents and other profits derived from the unsold congres-
sional school sections.
These eleven sources of educational revenue were classified, in
1872, as productive (the first five), contingent (the second five) and
unproductive (the last, which at that time virtually yielded no rev-
enue).
In 1872, the productive funds stood thus: Sinking fund,
$4,767,000; congressional township, $2,281,076; surplus revenue,
$573,502; saline, $85,000; bank tax, $80,000. The intestate fund
amounted to $17,866, and the swamp lands fund was still very
complicated, although, naturally, it never yielded what it should
have produced.
In the summer of 1882 the grand total of the fund upon which
the state could draw for the support of its common schools was
$9,207,411.
In the summer of 1916, according to direct communication with
Charles A. Greathouse, state superintendent of public instruction,
Jasper County had in the congressional township fund, $58,669.35 ;
in the common school fund, $49,716.46, and from the last semi-
annual apportionment of state tuition revenue, made in June, 19 16,
the county received $9,715.86.
CHAPTER IX
SPECIAL PIONEER PICTURES
First Sight of the Grand Prairie — Harbingers of Malaria —
Abundance of Wild Game and Fish — The Seasonings and
Cultivated Meats, Rarities — Settling of the Emigrant
— Breaking Ground — The Pioneer's Live Stock and
Forage — Wild Honey and Pumpkin Sirup — Hoosier Hunt-
ing Grounds — In the Kankakee Marshes — A Pottawat-
tamie Village.
There are certain institutions and features of western pioneer
life, descriptions of which would apply to a score of states and
territories as the frontier advanced to the Ohio, the Mississippi
and far beyond. On the other hand there are pictures which can
legitimately be drawn only of Indiana and Jasper County, and a
selection of these distinctive etchings has been made for this
chapter.
Abundance of Wild Game
The country which the earlier pioneers had selected was a
hunter's paradise. The prairie, timber and waterways were crowded
with game of all kinds, and without this it is doubtful if this region
could have been settled until a score of years later. The early
thoroughfares, obliged to deviate from a true course to avoid
marshes and impassable rivers, left this region isolated, and the
tide of population following these lines of travel naturally avoided
this section. Thus cut off from the natural sources of supply,
the pioneer was forced to depend upon the resources of the coun-
try alone, which, even with the abundance of game, proved but a
meager support for the family. Deer were found in unlimited
numbers, and the first settlers found no trouble in killing more
than the needs of the family required, right at his own door. Droves,
reaching to the number of a hundred, were often seen, and settlers
were in the habit of carrying their guns on almost all occasions,
92
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 93
and seldom returned from any expedition without an evidence
of the abundance of these animals in the shape of a haunch or ham
of venison. Wild hogs served also to vary the frontier fare.
These were animals that had escaped from the older settlements,
and subsisting upon the nuts and roots of the woodland, had gone
wild in the course of nature. They were of a long-legged, gaunt
species, and kept the timber pretty closely. They were no particular
damage or annoyance to the settlers, but furnished capital hunting
sport, and gave a relief to the monotonous recurrence of venison
upon the table of the settler. Wolves were of the coyote species,
and were found in the open prairie. These were of more annoy-
ance to the settlements, attacking sheep, young pigs and sometimes
cattle. They were miserable cowards, never attacking a person, and
were hunted and killed as a nuisance. They were small and under-
sized, making the night dismal with their howlings, and when over-
taken by the dogs, would fall on their backs and fight much like a
cat. On frozen ground, and when filled with a recent meal, they
were run down with little difficulty on horseback, as they seemed
to avoid the timber, and would risk capture rather than go into it.
Pinnated and ruffed grouse, better known as prairie chickens
and partridges, were everywhere found in inexhaustible numbers,
and furnished a touch of delicacy to the early fare. Wild geese,
cranes, herons, ducks of the mallard, pintail, blue-winged teal,
wood and ring-necked varieties, were found by thousands, and are
still found here in hardly diminished profusion, to the delight of
hunters, who are attracted in large numbers to enjoy the hunting.
The Iroquois River has sustained its reputation as one of the best
stocked rivers in the state, from the earliest knowledge of the whites
to the present. Long before any settlements were made here,
rumors of its profusion of fine edible fish came to the frontiers
through the Indians, to whom this was a favorite place of resort
each fall and spring. Here bass, bream, pike, salmon, mullet, suckers
and other varieties are found, some of these varieties having been
caught over twenty-five pounds in weight.
The Seasonings and Cultivated Meats, Rarities
With this abundance of what are even now considered luxuries,
it would seem at a casual glance that the pioneer life was a life of
ease rather than hardship, but when it is considered that these
were the sum of their early luxuries, that what we deem the com-
mon necessities and find so cheap as to pass almost unnoticed in
94 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
our estimate of family supplies and expenses were to the early
settlers almost inaccessible and the most expensive, a great change
is wrought in our estimate. Salt was more expensive than sugar,
and more difficult to procure. Flour could not for a time be pro-
cured at any price, and even meal, such as is provided today, was
unknown on the frontier. And even the variety of game provided
soon failed to answer the purposes of beef and pork. The system
exposed to the ravages of disease, and subject to the trying experi-
ence of early farm labor, demanded something more substantial
than this. Nor could all give their attention to hunting. The prime
reason for the presence of most of the pioneers in this country was
to build up a home and lay the foundations for a future competence,
and to accomplish this the larger part of the community centered here
had only their hands with which to accomplish their mission. It
was no uncommon occurrence to find men surrounded by this pro-
fusion of game who never shot a deer, and occasionally one who
never owned a gun.
Harbingers of Malaria
The pioneers who formed the early settlements in this county
were generally familiar with the isolation, and inured to the hard-
ships and privations, of frontier life, but with all this the open
prairie presented difficulties to which they had hitherto been a
stranger. From the standpoint of this later day, when the adapt-
ability of the prairie has been so abundantly proven, it seems unfor-
tunate that the early experiences of these pioneers led them to cling
to the timbered portions of the country, where foul water and
miasma aggravated the inevitable discomforts of frontier existence.
Life in a new country is everywhere subjected to the misery of
malarial diseases. The clearing-off of timber or the breaking-up
of prairie sod, involving the rapid decay of large quantities of vege-
table matter, gave rise to the inevitable miasma, which wrought its
sure work upon the system. Such sickness was generally confined
to the last of the summer and fall. There was but little sickness in
winter, except a few lingering fall diseases that had become chronic ;
there were but few cases after severe frosts, and the spring and
early summer were perfectly healthy.
It was commonly remarked that when the bloom of the resin
weed and other yellow flowers appeared, it was time to look for the
ague. The first spring flowers on the prairie were mostly pink and
white, then followed purple and blue, and about the middle of
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 95
August yellow predominated. High water in spring, flooding the
bottoms and filling the lagoons and low places along the streams,
and they drying off with the hot sun of July and August, was a
fruitful cause of disease, and in such localities it was often quite
sickly, while the higher prairie was comparatively exempt. With
these evils, the pioneer was generally forced to struggle alone. Phy-
sicians were very few and often so far situated from the scattered
settlements that it took a day's ride to reach them. But where
they were found within practical distance, the urgent necessity
for the practice of every economy led the settlers to depend upon
their own skill. Boneset, Culver's physic (root), and a long list
of teas and herb decoctions were to be found in every cabin, and
most of the ailments incident to a frontier were generally made to
yield to them. To have a severe case of malarial fever or several
seasons' run of ague, was expected by each newcomer, and none
were considered as having been fully inducted into all the mysteries
of citizenship until they had had the regular malarial experience. For
years, people who had hitherto possessed a fresh complexion and
buoyant spirit, after coming here, wore the pale, sallow complexion
of semi-invalids, and often the whole community would be so gen-
erally attacked with the prevailing distemper as to leave none to
attend upon those who were ill. It got to be very much the custom
for each family to prepare for the inevitable attack, arranging mat-
ters so that they could care for themselves, it being no infrequent
thing for a whole family to be confined to the bed at the same time.
Settling of the Emigrant
The early settlers brought with them nothing but what the neces-
sities of the situation demanded. One wagon generally sufficed
to bring the family, household furniture, farming implements, and
frequently two or three months' supplies. It requires no great
amount of consideration to conclude that luxuries, or even comforts,
could find no place in such an outfit, and so the pioneer, after con-
structing a shelter for his family, found his skill and ingenuity taxed
to their utmost to supply this deficiency. It was necessary to manu-
facture tables, chairs, and bedsteads before they could be used, and
some of the most striking incidents of frontier life are founded
upon this universal dearth of ordinary comforts. Hand tools were
always a part of the load when possessed by the emigrant, but in
the absence of these the ax accomplished all that was necessary. A
section of a good sized log, smoothed with an ax, and furnished
96
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
with a rough back, or often without a back of any sort, and legs,
took the place of chairs. A rude bedstead was often constructed
in the corner of the cabin with a single leg, the two sides of the
structure supporting the rest of the bedstead which was framed
in the logs. Upon this the bed cord, which could be easily brought,
was arranged, or in its absence, deer hide thongs. This or simply a
Log Cabin's Center of Interest
pile of brush supported the "tick," which was brought with the
family, and filled with leaves and dried grass until the first crop
supplied a better substitute in the husks.
The cabin itself displayed the ingenuity of the pioneer and
the poverty of his resources. A log pen, with a single door and
window, the latter closed with greased paper, and the door provided
with a simple blanket, the fire-place constructed of such loose stones
as could be found, and the chimney built up of sticks protected
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 97
with a covering of mud; the roof of "shakes" split from a straight-
grained tree, and held in place by weight poles, completed the tout
ensemble of the early homes. At first there was often no floor but
the ground, but generally slabs split out from the unseasoned tim-
ber were smoothed with the ax and made to do good service as a
protection from the bare earth. When the door was constructed,
these "puncheons" served as the material from which it was con-
structed, wooden pins taking the place of nails, and wooden hinges,
latch and bars serving the purposes of the modern builder's hard-
ware.
Breaking Ground
These preliminaries accomplished, the most urgent necessity was
to secure a crop. The plows were crude affairs, strong and serv-
iceable, but requiring great team power and considerable mechani-
cal skill in the plowman. The sod was found tough, not easily
"tamed," and very uncertain in producing a first crop. So tenacious
was the turf, that the furrow turned out one unbroken strip of
earth, and occasionally, when not especially careful, the plowman
had the disappointment of seeing yards of this leathery soil turn
back to its natural position, necessitating the tedious operation of
turning it all back again by hand. The expenditure of all this labor
was generally well repaid the first year, if the sod became thor-
oughly rotted, even though it produced but a small crop. Oftentimes
the second and third plowing showed the soil stubborn and unkind.
Few, even among farmers, know much of the labor involved in
"breaking prairie," unless they have experienced its obstacles and
overcome them. Corn was the only crop planted at first, and this
furnished food for man and best. A few years later, it was a
mark of unusual prosperity to be able to furnish wheat bread to
especial guests. The first crop was generally planted by cutting a
gash in the inverted sod with an ax, dropping in the corn and closing
it by another blow beside the first ; or it was dropped in every third
furrow, and the sod turned on it ; if the corn was so placed as to
find space between the furrows, it would find daylight; if not
the result of the planting was extremely doubtful. Of course
cultivation in this case was impossible, and if the squirrels and
crows gave the crop an opportunity to mature, it generally proved
a satisfactory return. Later, the culture of wheat was begun, and
with the increase of markets had grown to larger proportions.
Vol. 1—7
98 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
The Pioneer's Live Stock and Forage
Most of the settlers brought in horses and cows, but the former
pretty generally gave way to oxen for working purposes. Hogs
were bought in the older settlements, and a little later sheep were
introduced. All these animals were supported with little cost. The
wide range of wild grass afforded excellent pasture and hay. With
the range the early settlers had, their cattle would put on more
flesh and in less time than on any other pasture. The sedge
which grew along the sloughs was the first to start in the spring, and
furnished the earliest pasture. The bent or blue-joint which was
principally found along the sides of the sloughs, or, in the vernacular
of the pioneer, "between the dry and wet land," was preferred by
stock to all other varieties, especially when mixed with the wild
pea-vine. This made the best hay, and as its yield was very large,
was generally selected for this purpose. But the combined ravages
of stock and scythe rapidly exterminated it, so that in many cases
the ground where it grew became almost bare of vegetation. The
stock and the farmer then resorted to upland grasses, but before
the settlers multiplied so as to limit the range of the stock, the
older and more experienced of the herd would go long distances to
find their favorite pasture, often necessitating on the part of the
pioneer a hunt of several days, as they could find plenty of wild
grass and hay to feed upon. Horses raised upon the prairie were
said never to be afflicted with the heaves, while horses brought here,
suffering with this malady, were speedily cured by simply feeding on
the native grasses. This advantage, however, was somewhat offset
by the colic which this rank grass frequently produced in horses with
fatal effect. The introduction of tame grasses has largely remedied
this evil, and most farmers are now able to supply their stock
with a mixture of the two kinds. But the wild grass of the present
is not found in all its original purity, and the pea-vine is almost
if not entirely extinct.
Mills and Markets
There is a beatitude not found in the usual list "Blessed be
nothing, for ye shall want nothing," which finds abundant confirma-
tion in every-day logic. Its converse, "The more we have, the
more we want," is only another way of putting the same truth, and
is suggested by the experience of the pioneers. No sooner was
a crop secured than the lack of any proper means to reduce it
to the necessities of the household was made painfully apparent.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 99
So long as the corn was soft, it was grated on rude graters, made
by punching holes through a piece of tin. After it became hard, it
was sometimes parched and ground in a coffee mill, and at other
times pounded in a rudely constructed mortar. A stump was fol-
lowed out by burning and scraping to serve as a mortar. Over this
was suspended from a "sweep" a pestle, to the end of which was
fixed an iron wedge, and with this rude machinery bushels of corn
were broken sufficiently fine to use in the various ways common
to pioneer days. The finest was used in "corn-pones" and dodgers,
while the coarser part was used as hominy, the separation being
effected by means of a sieve made of a perforated deer skin stretched
tightly over a frame. "Corn-crackers" were put up in the various
settlements at an early date, but these did but little better work
than the mortar. They did the work quicker, and such a mill was
kept running night and day, while the patrons coming from distances
of fifteen or twenty miles would wait patiently for a day or two to
get their "grist." But for flour, the only resort was to Lafayette,
where an older settlement had secured the advantages of a "flouring
mill." The demand for groceries was limited to the means of pur-
chasing, which were generally of the most slender sort. There
was but little to sell, and then the only market was at Chicago,,
where the settlers hauled hundreds of bushels of shelled corn to
sell at thirty cents per bushel. Coon skins, however, were almost
"landoffice" money. Fur buyers were an institution of the early
times here, and many a quarter section was purchased with the
price of these skins.
Wild Honey and Pumpkin Sirup
There were some luxuries, however, that could be secured with-
out money. Bee trees were, in many parts of the country, found in
great numbers, and no piece of timber was entirely devoid of them.
It sometimes required an expert to find them, and some united
pleasure and profit in this sort of hunting. An experienced hunter
would go out in a bright, warm day in winter or late fall and burn
some honey comb, which seldom failed to attract the game to the
honey, which was provided for them. Loading up with this, the
bee would rise, circling in the air, and then fly straight to its tree.
It was then the hunter's business to follow the fleet-winged insect
closely, and thus discover its secret. To do this required an expert,
and there were few who were marked for their success. Some-
times, a number of bees from a single tree, at no great distance,
100 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
were attracted. These do not rise in circles, but darting to and
fro in a straight line, make the course plain enough to be easily
followed, but this is rare. In other cases, the best that can be
done is to discover the direction of the bee's flight, and taking this —
against the sun if possible — to stumble along with upturned gaze,
scanning every tree for the tell-tale hole or crack. But when the
tree was found, the battle was but half won. This must be felled,
and the occupants dispossessed of their stores. When the hollow
extended down to the point where the ax must penetrate it, the
hunter was often obliged to decamp in hot haste as soon as the blows
had aroused the swarm.
The bee was easily domesticated, and many of the settlers cap-
tured swarms, placed them in sections of hollow logs, and in a
little while possessed a constant source of supply for the table and
the market. In some cases, this was the principal source for the
sweetening used in the culinary work of the cabin, and was the basis
of a favorite drink. "Methegilin" was made of steeped honey comb,
and honey fermented. It was counted an excellent drink, and
much preferred to cider, and when strengthened by age became a
powerful intoxicant. This, however, has passed away with many
other of the homely joys of pioneer days.
The ready tact of the pioneers' housewives, and the unpampered
tastes of that early day, found a good substitute for fruit in the
pumpkin. When frozen, they were prepared and stewed down to a
sirup, which furnished a very acceptable substitute for sugar or
molasses in the absence of honey, i and mixed with fresh, stewed
pumpkin formed a desirable sweetmeat. They were planted in con-
siderable numbers, and stored in a vault constructed underneath the
hay stacks to be fed to the cattle during the winter. Well may this
"fruit loved of boyhood" be apostrophized by the poet, and be hon-
orably placed in a state's coat of arms.
Hoosier Hunting Grounds
John E. Alter, an old resident of the county, published a book,
in 1905, which contained a number of graphic pictures and well-told
stories of scenes and events in Jasper and Newton counties. Two
samples are selected, as a close to this chapter.
In the Kankakee Marshes
"We now call the reader's attention to a portion of the country
in northwestern Indiana near the headwaters of the Iroquois river,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 101
a region now comprising Newton and Jasper counties, originally all
called Jasper, in honor of Sergeant Jasper of Fort Moultrie fame.
The Iroquois river takes its rise near the middle of Jasper, north
and south, but near the western line of Township 29 north, Range 7
west from the Second principal meridian, in a small pond or slough ;
running thence northward, bearing eastward in a circle or more
nearly a spiral, thus making a complete circuit of thirty-five miles
and passing eastward at a point but three and a half miles south
of the source. At the time in which the chief events of our story
took place, there was no marked channel for the first eight miles of
its course, but an artificial waterway has since been constructed.
"The network of marshes which feeds the Kankakee river on
the north, the Iroquois on the south, the Pinkamink on the east and
Beaver Lake (since drained away) on the west, is traversed by a
series of sand hills, the general trend of which is east and west ; this
line of low ridges is covered with a stunted growth of scrubby yel-
low and black-oak timber and scanty growth of vegetation, and
forms the principal watershed between the first two rivers.
"In the year 1840, in the month of October, on the southern
slope of Eaglesnest Ridge near the north shore of the Iroquois
river, there stood a solitary man with a rifle in the hollow of his
left arm and a belt full of muskrat skins around his body. He was
dressed in the garb of a trapper, and had evidently just returned
from a visit to his traps on the river below, or rather the marsh,
for as has been stated there being no definite channel all seemed as
marsh, and still plenty of water could be found in which to run a
canoe, except in midsummer or early autumn. His well-worn jeans
pants were jammed into the tops of a stout pair of cowhide boots,
his hickory blouse was covered with grease and dirt, and a little rill
of sweat was coursing its way from under his coonskin cap. along
his temple and across his weather-beaten cheek. Dashing it away
with his hand, he still continued to gaze down the marsh to the east-
ward, as if expecting someone. After a searching glance more to
the northward, he gave a grunt of uneasiness and, turning round,
walked rapidly up the hill to the edge of a clump of black-oak bushes ;
here he stopped and again turned and looked across the barrens to
the eastward, but seeing nothing to his fancy he entered the thicket,
stooping that he might the more easily press through among the
branches of the young growth of bushes.
"After a progress of three or four rods in this manner, he
stopped before a rude door made of split saplings, having the inter-
vening cracks calked or stuffed with marsh grass. The door had
102 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
been made with an ax and the parts bound together by oak withes.
These withes are made by thoroughly twisting small bushes or limbs
to make them pliable, and in this form they can be wrapped around
pieces, or even tied in a knot, to fasten them together. Unbarring
this, by removing a short pole, the heavy door swung back on its
oaken hinges and the trapper walked into the side of the hill as it
were, where all was total darkness but for the few rays of light which
struggled through the narrow doorway from the gloomy thicket out-
side. This gloom was soon dispelled, however, when he drew from
his pocket a tinder box and flint. Striking the latter against the
blade of his knife, the sparks flashed down into the little piece of
leathery punk and ignited ; this he placed against a few dry splints
and a blaze was immediately produced. The blaze was next placed in
contact with a lamp made by placing a twisted rag for a wick in a cup
made of an oak knot, hollowed out and filled with coon oil. This
made a brilliant light, which illuminated the whole apartment, the
blaze, of course, flickering like a candle instead of giving off a steady
light like a modern kerosene lamp.
"The dugout, or camp, as we shall call it, contained many articles
of usefulness for camp life. In one corner lay a pile of steel traps, in
another was a rude bed of gunny-cloth filled with leaves ; a bolster,
or long pillow, was made of the same material ; the covers consisted
of wolf skins. A sort of shelf attached to the side of the room by
means of stakes driven into the soft sand walls and the protruding
ends covered with small sticks or poles, shaped smooth on the upper
side, served as a table, shelf and general catch-all. The soft sand
of the ceiling was prevented from falling in by means of split punch-
eons, which were held in place by means of pole braces standing on
the ground floor at irregular distances of five or six feet, all over
the apartment. Suspended from this ceiling, or rather the punch-
eons which sustained the sandy ceiling, were two or three bunches
of dressed skins, mostly mink, muskrat and raccoon.
"In two wooden hooks made from the forks of small limbs and
fastened just above the door, the trapper now placed his rifle. Turn-
ing around, he then made a thorough examination of everything in
the room, as if to ascertain whether anything had been molested in
his absence. At length assuming an air of satisfaction in regard to
the state of the camp, he gathered a bundle of hickory sticks from
near the foot of the bed, blew out the light and passed out of the
cave-like dwelling with the cautious step peculiar to men who inhabit
the wilds of any country. After securing the door, he walked to the
border of the bushes and peered out before advancing. Seeing noth-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 103
ing unusual, he stepped out and walked briskly to the foot of a tree"
from which a large limb had fallen during some wind storm. Seating
himself upon this limb he removed his belt and proceeded to stretch
his rat-skins upon the hickory sticks, after bending them in the
proper shape, then to brace them out at the open end until a neat
stretch was obtained. After all were thus stretched, he proceeded
to 'flesh' them, which is done by carefully cutting off all the fleshy
strips and the film from the inside of the hide. The market value
of all kinds of pelts depends much upon the care and labor employed
in fleshing. The sticks were procured two or three miles down
stream, as no hickory grew among these sand ridges. The trapper
kept up a constant outlook while at his work by glancing over the
marshes and through the woods at short intervals. Presently, his
eye rested upon something through an oak opening, which held his
attention for a full minute, after which he continued, his work with a
contented look in his countenance.
"Presently a man came in full view around a small quakeash
grove and walked leisurely toward the ridge. He also carried a
rifle and wore leather boots and fur cap, but unlike the trapper
before introduced, he wore buckskin breeches and a hunting shirt
made of the same material. A powder-horn and' bullet-pouch hung
under his arm and a large knife stuck in a scabbard which was
attached to his belt. He was followed by a large yellow hound,
with long pendulous ears — a noble looking fellow, measuring fully
six feet from tip to tip.
" 'Well, Ben,' said the first man, looking up from his rat-hide,
T was just beginning to be uneasy about you, lest you might have
found trouble. Did you see any Red-skins ?'
'" 'None,' said Ben, as he threw down a pheasant with its head
shot off, 'but I see their trail down at the sandy crossing a mile
below here, where they have crossed the stream and gone south.'
" 'They must be camped over near the Baty marsh,' said George,
whose surname was Maiden. His friend's name was Ben Raymond.
" 'Their wigwams are not far away, you may be sure,' said
Ben, 'for I see the moccasin tracks every day along the marsh.'
"It may be well to explain here that there were no hostile or
savage tribes of Indians in Jasper County in 1840, but there were
many Indians along the Iroquois and Pinkamink rivers ; the rem-
nant of a tribe who professed to be friendly, and were in the main ;
yet they were easily angered and would, at the slightest provocation,
seek secret revenge. Those in the immediate vicinity of the trap-
104 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
pers' camp considered the whites intruders upon their trapping
grounds.
"George had by this time finished his work and gathered up
his green hides, carried them into the cave to keep them from the
troublesome birds and coyotes, or prairie wolves. They would
have cured much sooner in the sunshine, but George wished to be
sure of their safety. The odor of musk given off by these skins
would almost suffocate anyone not used to it, but these men had
become so accustomed to the scent of muskrats, mink and even
skunk, that they seemed to have no great dislike to it.
"When the trapper returned from the cave he brought the
tinder and splits and proceeded to make a fire with dry limbs and
sticks picked up on the hillside, while Ben dressed the pheasant.
An iron pot was hanging on a pole, supported by two forks driven
in to the ground. The bird was soon cleaned and ready for the
pot, and then Ben brought some water from a hole dug in the flat at
the foot of the hill. This well or spring had no curb or covering
of any kind, consequently two or three dozen frogs were swimming
about or diving to the bottom. But this is the case with all open
wells in a new country, and the water is swallowed with impunity.
" 'By the way, Ben, let's have roast for supper in place of
pheasant soup.'
" 'How will you roast without an oven ? '
" 'You make the tea and I'll show you.' The tea was made
from red-root leaves gathered from the hillside, where it grew
in profusion. Dried in the sun, it made a very good substitute for
the Chinese article.
"George wrapped the bird in green leaves, and then covered it
with a thick envelope of mud taken from the sides of the well and
covering it with ashes and coals, allowed it to bake. When done
it was served with tea, in wooden cups whittled out of the aspen
which grew abundantly on the flats. Broken pieces of corn cake
and some parched acorns were next set out, and a little salt was
added to the bird, George having forgotten it before it was 'put
to bake.'
"The weather being fine, as it usually is in autumn in this lati-
tude, supper was taken in the open air under a large tree. The hun-
ters chatted freely and seemed to enjoy their frugal meal. The
sun had slipped down behind the ridge and out of sight, although
not yet sunset, properly speaking. Two or three bald eagles were
sailing about just above the trees, giving an occasional scream, as
if to inquire what was meant by intruding upon their haunts.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 105
" T think I'll take a shot at that old eagle if she alights on one of
these trees,' said George.
" 'They are not likely to come so near us, except in brooding
time, when they will even attack a man in defense of their nest or
their young,' observed Ben.
" 'These are the first bald eagles I have ever seen,' said George.
'What large, noble-looking birds they are. But are they really
bald-headed, Ben ? Their heads and neck appear as white as snow.'
" 'No, they are not bald, but have been given this name from the
appearance to baldness produced by the white feathers on the head
and neck. They are also called the American eagle and adopted
as the emblem of our country.'
"At that moment one of the birds wheeled suddenly in its flight,
arched its wings and darted to the ground like a< meteor. The wild
grass being of a luxuriant growth in the flat, partially broke the
swoop of the bird. A momentary struggle, a sharp scream, and
away it flew over the hill with a full-grown rabbit in its talons.
"'Well, the wicked robber!' cried George. 'Do you think he
intends to eat it ?'
"'Oh, yes; the bald eagle is a bird of prey and kills his own
game for food when he can find it, although he will even resort to
carrion when pressed by hunger.'
" 'See what large sticks in that nest, almost as large as a man's
leg.'
"Yes, the nest is built large and strong, and then the same nest
is used each year for many years in succession. The female lays two
large white eggs about the first of February, and the young are
hatched about the first of March.'
"Supper over and the few cooking utensils put away, after the
backwoods fashion, George lit his pipe and the following dialogue
took place: 'George, I think you would do well to take up your
traps for a few days, lest the Indians steel them. The fur will not
be first-class yet for a couple of weeks anyway.'
" 'You're right, Ben. But I'm anxious to be after 'em. Who can
stand the sight of four hundred rat houses in one marsh and not
get nervous? And such fine ones, too. They say if the rats build
tall houses, it's a sign of high water.'
" 'Such may be the fact,' said Ben, 'for all animals are endowed
with special instinct for protection, in place of reason, which belongs
to man alone.'
" 'Well, if you think best I will take up the traps in the morning
and we'll see what we can find with the rifles.'
106 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
"Darkness had now gathered around them, and, with a few part-
ing wiffs at his pipe, George started for the cave, followed by his
companion. The hoot of an owl near by was answered by another
half a mile away. Myriads of frogs in the surrounding marshes
kept up a continual din, while a dozen brazen-throated bull-frogs
in a deep pond near by did the bass for the other warblers of the
night. A couple of wolves across the marsh set up such a babel
of barks and howls as to sound like a pack of fifty curs. But our
hunters were used to these things, and without giving them the
least attention they lay down on their bed of leaves and slept the
sleep of the weary."
A Pottawattamie Village
Also from Alter's "Hoosier Hunting Grounds :" "We will
now follow Ben and leave the other two hunters to look after
themselves for a while. Crossing the river at the sandy crossing,
where a cloud of ducks arose from the water, with their deafen-
ing roar of wings and their quack, quack, quack, he took a south-
easterly direction through the woods, keeping his course by the sun,
with its dusky, red face veiled by the smoke of Indian summer.
There was no path to follow, but he knew the general direction
he wished to go; therefore he had but little trouble in shaping his
course. Bees still swarmed out in search of the few flowers that
had not been nipped by the early frost of autumn. Frogs croaked,
the mocking birds still sang their morning carols from the tops of
the tallest trees, and robin red-breasts hopped about in quest of
worms. Wild geese, cranes and brants passed constantly overhead
or waded and paddled in the ponds at will. The geese darted
their heads low in the water in quest of snails and bugs, while their
feet paddled the thin water to maintain their equilibrium.
"Ben enjoyed all these things, for he was not only a student, but
a lover of nature. Just before leaving the timber and entering upon
the broad prairie he seated himself upon the limb of a fallen tree
to rest and watch the gambols of half a dozen squirrels that were
chasing each other from limb to limb, now to the very top of a
tall hickory tree, then away again and down, down to the leafy
ground, here scuffing and rolling on a bed of moss. One of them
in his haste slipped from a small log on which he was running into
a pool of water, when, as if ashamed of his own awkward act, he
dashed away with all speed, shaking the water from his hairy hide
as he went and ran up an old snag and into a hole.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 107
"At this instant Ben was startled by the whistling of an arrow,
which buried itself beyond the dart in the log within three inches
of where he sat. It came with such force that the trembling shaft
hummed like a top. Springing to his feet he cocked his rifle and
peered into the bushes from which the arrow seemed to have sped.
Seeing no one he nimbly stepped behind a tree and watched for
some move on the part of his unseen adversary. He had but a
minute to wait, when a Pottawattamie Indian stepped from behind
a tree, dropped his bow on the ground, raised both hands above his
head in token of surrender, and walked slowly toward the hunter.
"Ben, however, suspecting treachery, kept on his guard and
watched the background for more enemies, as well as the advancing
redskin.
" 'Me no mad, me good friend. Me tink you sleep on log; shoot
arrow so you wake up.'
"Ben, now being assured that the Indian was alone, took the
proffered hand of friendship ; after which they seated themselves
on the log and the following conversation took place :
" 'Who are you and why did you shoot at me?' asked Ben.
" 'Me Pottawattamie, name Bird-eye. Hunt pheasant for pap-
poose and sick squaw. Me no shoot at white man, shoot at log;
no hit white man, hit log.'
' T see you hit the log, but it came uncomfortably near to me.'
" 'Ugh, me like see you jump.'
"Ben knew the Indian had not tried to kill him, or he would have
shot near his breast, as is customary with most savages at short
range.
" 'Where do you live ?'
" 'Live in wigwam on river, one hour away to sunrise.'
" 'How many of your people live near you?' In answer to this
question the Indian raised both hands, with fingers and thumbs
extended, repeating the action. 'Twenty,' said Ben, half aloud. 'Do
you raise any corn ?'
" 'Me got corn.'
" 'Would you sell some of it ?' The Indian grunted and gave a
nod in the affirmative.
"After a moment's pause Ben thought it would be better to buy
corn of these savages than risk getting corn or meal at Newton, and
besides carrying it from so much greater distance; therefore he
gave the savage to understand that he wished to accompany him
home and purchase a little of his corn. Whereupon Bird-eye ad-
justed his belt, which contained a brace of pheasants and a squirrel.
108 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
walked to a tree, picked up his bow, and without further comment
led the way to a little Indian village on the right bank of the Iro-
quois, three or four miles east of the place where they had first met
in the woods.
"The village consisted of about a dozen wigwams, placed in a
row along the river bank, which at this point was ten or twelve
feet above the marsh. The marsh was here about half a mile wide,
through the middle of which slowly meandered the sluggish chan-
nel. The whole marsh for miles, however, was nothing less than
a deep lake, on the surface of which was forming a floating sod
that, in places, would support the weight of a man; gently sinking
into the water, however, until a basinlike depression a rod wide was
formed, into which the water would rise if the weight was not
immediately removed; while in other places the sod formation was
so thin that it would 'mire a duck.' At the moment they entered
the clearing in front of the huts a loud noise came from the tim-
ber south and west — yelling of Indians, barking of dogs and crack-
ing of brush. Nearer and nearer came the din. Bird-eye bounded
across the clearing and into the woods. Ben followed slowly, not
knowing what the chase might be. He had walked a distance of about
fifty paces south of the last wigwam in the row, when four deer came
bounding out of the thicket in full sight and ran through an open
glade toward the river. When at full broadside he fired at the near-
est, which was a large doe. When the gun cracked she fell in her
tracks. The other three ran down the steep bank and steered
around below the camp, when suddenly the squaws rushed from
the wigwams brandishing splint brooms, baskets, coonskins and
clubs, shouting and screaming like demons. This checked the deer
in their flight, and this second fright caused them to wheel suddenly
and back-track with great speed ; but when nearing the point where
they had descended the bank, the Indians came yelling out of the
bushes and commenced pouring the arrows into them. At the same
time the squaws closed in from above, and Ben, bringing up the
center, the deer were forced into the muck and the floating sod of
the marsh. A few floundering jumps proved the uselessness of
escape in that direction.
"The largest, a five-pronged buck, who was in the lead, took in
the difficulty, and turning around struggled back until he had placed
himself between the other two and their pursuers. Shaking his
head of horns and blowing the mud and water from his muzzle,
with a snort of defiance he stood at bay, with green, angry eyes
staring at the mottled group on the bank.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 109
"At this juncture Ben, who had reloaded, stepped forward and
raised his rifle; but a grunt of disapproval from two or three, and
Bird-eye waving him to desist, he lowered his gun, uncocked it,
dropped the breech to the ground, and waited the will of the crowd.
After quite a great deal of debating in their own language, and much
gesticulating with hands and heads, they seemed to arrive at a deci-
sion. Two young fellows, seemingly about seventeen years of age,
threw off their hunting shirts, breeches and moccasins, leaving
nothing but a shirt, or rather a short skirt of some cheap material
reaching from the waist to just above the knees ; grasping a knife in
one hand and a tomahawk in the other, they commenced picking
their way over the springing turf. The buck tossed his head wick-
edly as they drew near. Separating, they came on to the attack, one
from each side, and sprang upon him with all the boldness of their
savage natures. As they struck, the buck maddened by the pain
caused by two arrows still sticking in his side, together with the
onslaught of his adversaries, gave a bleat of rage and thew his
heavy horns, first backward and then to the right and left with so
much force, as almost to blind the two young Indians, covering
them with mud and water. The move was so unexpected that
one missed the deer and lost his hatchet in the water, while the
other, missing the head, struck a horn, knocking it off. They now
beat a hasty retreat, scrambling back as best they could, while their
friends cheered loudly to see the sport.
"A second attack was made immediately, one making for the
head again with his tomahawk, while the other actually leaped upon
the animal's back and endeavored to cut his throat. The buck
paid but little attention to the one in the rear, as it was the other
who had given him such a blow in the onset as to deprive him of
one of his weapons. Keeping his eye on him he was ready for the
attack, and rearing high as the youth came near he struck him
with both front feet like a wild broncho.
"The savage dropped his weapon and fell back wounded. The
buck was quick to follow up his advantage and, with the other
youth on his back, he lunged forward again and, with half a dozen
thrusts of his powerful forelegs he shoved the Indian far under the
muck and water to rise no more. Instantly changing tactics, he now
pulled for the bank, making short but rapid jumps.
"The greater portion of the Indians stood and watched him
come out and run up the bank without making any resistance, being
terrified by the scene of the drowning boy. Three or four, how-
ever, had the presence of mind to shoot arrows into him as he passed.
110 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Nothing daunted, he rushed up the bank and away through the low
jack-oak bushes at full speed, with the boy on his back, his arms
around his neck.
"The old doe and her fawn, almost grown, now came leaping
out of the marsh as best they could; but the Indians had rallied by
this time, and arrows pierced the side of the doe in great numbers.
She was still holding on her way, though wounded, when one fellow
fired a shot from an old musket loaded with ball. This took effect in
the shoulder, and she leaped high in the air and fell dead on her
side. The fawn was caught and pulled down by the dogs as soon
as he reached the solid ground.
"No time was lost in making search for the drowned boy,
but though the search was continued for days the body was never
found. It probably sank to the bottom of the deep lake after being
stamped through the thin coat of sod which covered the water. [A
foot-note here states that "the depth of water was tested in the Burk
marsh on the Iroquois river in 1865, by L. A. Bostwick, C. E., and gas
pipe was pushed through floating sod and muck to the depth of
fifty feet."]
"Several of the party were sent after the old buck and his daring
rider. Dogs were placed upon the trail, but they followed little
faster than the men, who, with their swinging trot, kept the trail
as well as the dogs. Once they had sight of him as he passed an
open place in the timber. Like Diana of old, he seemed to be
giving chase, mounted on the fleetest beast of the woods, his scalp-
lock unbraided and flying loose to the wind. It was only for a
second, when he was dashed into the jungle and out of sight.
"That night was one of mourning in the village. The squaws
placed handfuls of sand on their heads, danced up and down, and
groaned and screamed out like panthers. The men who were not
engaged in the search for the body or in pursuit of the runaways,
built three or four small fires along the foot of the ridge or river
bank, and kept up a continuous trotting back and forth by the
iires during the whole of that dark night, for the sky was overcast
with clouds and the moon did not rise until near morning.
"Ben described it as a night long to be remembered. The crack-
ing, snapping fires echoing from the overhanging trees along the
bank of the river; the long-drawn humming in both guttural and
nasal tones by the watchers as they trotted to and fro, in that cease-
less, rhythmic pat, pat, pat of moccasined feet on the crisp leaves
of the forest; the ever-changing wailing of the squaws in the wig-
wams and the phantom-like forms, flitting here and there with
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 111
torches searching for the dead. All this was truly awe-inspiring in
the pitchy darkness.
"At intervals the baying of hounds gave proof that the chase
was still on, whether the rider was or not. No sleep came to the eyes
of our friend that night. At times his thoughts would revert to his
friends back in the cave, then again to friends in other lands ; but
they never strayed far till brought back to the ceaseless tread of
feet on the dead march and the funeral dirge of the mourning
savages. But at last, like all other nights, this one, so full of mel-
ancholy scenes and sounds, passed away.
"The sun rose clear, but was soon obscured by scudding clouds,
which betokened rain. A few old Indians, including the father of
the unfortunate boy, were still feeling for the body with poles;
but most of the band were either preparing or partaking of the
morning meal, which consisted of hominy, corn cakes and various
wild meats.
"Bird-eye now came up to Ben, where he was seated on a stump
in the center of the enclosure, and invited him into his rude tent
for the first time. Ben arose and followed without a word. On
entering the narrow, circular apartment he was struck by the tidy
appearance and the systematic arrangement of the various articles
in so small a place. On the north side of the tent or wigwam was
hung all manner of peltries. Immediately under them was a rifle
well poised in wooden davits ; also a powder horn, bullet pouch, and
two large knives in sheathes. Next below' them rested three long
bows, well wrapped and finished with deer sinews ; also, three quivers
of arrows, smooth and straight, with feathered shafts and iron darts
firmly fixed in the heads. On the eastern curve were the cooking
utensils, few in number but tastefully arranged.
"On either side of the doorway were bunches of steel-traps,
grouped as to sizes ; a corn hoe, a dibble, and some other articles of
minor importance. In the center of the apartment was a brisk
little fire of dry fagots, from which the smoke ascended to the
top of the wigwam, where it found egress through an opening at the
junction of the tepee poles. On a hay bed covered with skins
reclined an Indian squaw of about twenty-five years of age. Her
emaciated form and pinched, haggard features, showed her to be
suffering from some lingering disease. Near her, on a buffalo hide,
sat two other females. One was an old crone with white locks
and the other an Indian maiden of rare beauty, whose glossy black
hair shone like ebony. Her eyes were bright and piercing, yet
soft and kind as those of a dove.
112 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
"Ben gave the girl a look of admiration; then turned to the af-
flicted one with a glance of pity. Neither of the females spoke when
the men entered the cabin. A skillet of meat was sitting near the
fire, which the maid placed in a large oaken platter containing corn
cakes and dried venison, while Bird-eye placed the only stool in the
room at Ben's disposal. She then passed the food to the two men,
who took pieces out with their fingers and 'did eat.' Water was
next placed before them in a gourd, from which they quenched their
thirst alternately. After the meal was finished, Bird-eye walked to
the couch of the invalid and a low conversation took place in the Pot-
tawattamie tongue.
"The sky had become more and more threatening during the time
passed in the hut, and the wind was rising. The Indian stepped to
the door to note the aspect of the weather. 'Big storm,' he said, as
he moved quietly outside and ran quickly to each tent, informing the
inmates of the impending storm, which was now fast breaking upon
them. In a few minutes he returned and began making things secure
by fastening the corners of the skins with thongs of deer-hide and
bracing the tent with extra pole braces. A great yellow bank of
curvetting cloud came rolling down the heavens, which seemed to
be followed and pushed ahead by an uneasy power which roared and
bellowed like ten thousand maddened bulls. It was something ter-
rific. Ben described it as being equal to a tropical tornado, a real
Caribbean cyclone and an African hurricane combined. The trees
bowed their tops to the earth in humble subjection to the powers
that be, and many were snapped in twain with reports like heavy
artillery. Wilder and wilder raged the tempest. The driving rain
came down in blinding sheets. A flood of water rushed through the
wigwam a foot deep.
"Ben and the Indian were using their utmost endeavors to hold
the braces and thus keep the tent from going away with the blast.
The maid sprang up and raised the sick woman to a sitting posture,
so that her head might be out of the water; but the old crone still
sat in the water almost to her waist, crooning sad strains of some
sorrow song as she swayed her body back and forth, without paying
the slightest attention to the warring of the elements.
"The lodge poles were bent like reeds in the marsh and the rain
dashed through the holes and crevices in the skins in great bucket-
fuls. Vivid flashes of zigzag and sheet lightning almost blinded
them, and peal upon peal of thunder seemed to rend the heavens in
a million seams, whereby the pent-up waters dashed and fell on the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 113
earth in oceans of waterspouts. One could not have stood on his
feet a second out in the storm.
"In the course of half an hour, which seemed almost an age to
those who had to stem the storm, the din ceased, and this cloudy
cauldron of wind, water and electricity, each struggling for the mas-
tery, passed away as quickly as it had come. The trees lifted their
heads, except those whose hearts had been broken, and the water
dripped from their leaves and branches. The wind ceased, the sun
burst forth from behind a cloud, and nature seemed to smile upon the
wreck and desolation everywhere visible. Broad streams, rivulets
and rills were still gurgling down the sloping woodland and over
the river bank into the marsh lake, with a roar like a Liliputian
cataract.
"Everything and everybody were drenched ; not a dry thread could
be found in the whole village. Three of the wigwams had been blown
down, two pappooses were drowned in the flood, and one was killed
by a falling tent pole. Pools were everywhere, and in the level oak
openings to the southwest great ponds, and even lakes, spread out
like mammoth mirrors in the sunshine. The whole river marsh was
one vast lake as far as the eye could reach in the blue vista to the
southeast.
"After considerable difficulty a fire was lighted and, others bor-
rowing from it, soon each lodge possessed a blaze to dry out the
contents.
"Bird-eye made his squaw as comfortable as could be expected
under the circumstances, which were bad enough at best.
"At this juncture, a general shout proclaimed the approach of
the search party who had followed the trail of the dauntless rider."
This hero of the day had been found much battered, but not
dead. After giving the Indian a wild ride of several miles through
the woods the infuriated buck had finally thrown its rider, but not
before the luckless beast had left one of his ears which the Potta-
wattamie youth had slashed away in his efforts to reach the throat
of the still very lively piece of venison. The buck certainly deserved
his life, after having sacrificed one horn and one ear in the fortunes
of the chase.
CHAPTER X
JASPER COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR
State Militia Previous to the Civil War — Jasper County in
the War of the Rebellion — The Ninth as a Three-Months'
Regiment — General Robert H. Milroy, Leading Military
Figure — Unveiling of Memorial at Milroy Park — Judge
Hammond's Tribute to General Milroy — A Nursery of
Military Renown — First Union Victim of the Battle-
field— Company A, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry — The Sev-
enteenth Infantry — The Forty-eighth Regiment — The
Eighty-seventh — Twelfth Cavalry, Company K — Fourth
Battery, Light Artillery.
At the time of the Mexican war, Jasper County was so sparsely
settled that no complete body of troops could be drawn from its pop-
ulace, but at the outbreak of the Civil war, although still far from
overburdened with people, it was one of the few counties of Indiana
that had a military organization under the law of 1855.
State Militia Previous to the Civil War
From the formation of the state to 1830, the state militia was in
high repute, and afforded the surest channel through which to
achieve civil distinction. Four years later, the organization was
entirely abandoned, and public sentiment seemed to react and render
the later efforts to revive the system a failure. On the 14th of June,
1852, an act was passed for the organization of the militia by Con-
gressional districts; and on the 12th of February, 1855, an "Act
concerning the organization of voluntary associations" was passed,
providing for the formation of military companies by filing articles
of association in like manner as provided for organizing, building,
mining and manufacturing companies. These laws were practically
of no value, merely without regulations sufficient to secure any suc-
cessful result. Many commissions were issued, in most cases for
the mere purpose of conferring honorary military titles upon the
114
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 115
recipients; but with the exception of probably a dozen companies
(most of which had but a brief existence) formed in various parts
of the state in 1859-60, aggregating about 500 men, no organizations
were made. Such was the condition of the military force of the
state when Fort Sumter surrendered on the 13th of April, 1861, and
when on the 15th, Governor Morton telegraphed to President Lin-
coln, the tender of 10,000 men, "for the defense of the Nation."
On the same day, the President issued his proclamation calling
forth the militia of the several states of the Union to the aggregate
number of 75,000 men. The quota of Indiana was subsequently
fixed at six regiments of infantry, comprising in rank and file 4,683
men, to serve for three months, if not sooner discharged. No militia
existed in fact, and on the 16th inst. Governor Morton issued his
proclamation, in which, after stating the cause, he called ''upon the
loyal and patriotic men of this state, to the number of six regiments,
to organize themselves into military companies, and forthwith report
the same to the adjutant general," etc. The response from every
part of the state was prompt and unanimous. The day after the call
there were 500 men in camp; on the 19th there were 2,400 men,. and
in less than seven days more than 12,000 men had been tendered.
Contests to secure the acceptance of companies were earnest and fre-
quent, and all seemed anxious to discharge this perilous duty of
citizenship. The response from Jasper County to the governor's call
was prompt and enthusiastic. A grand rally brought the citizens
together from every township. R. H. Milroy took the lead, and
called for volunteers, who crowded forward and filled the ranks of
one of the earliest companies in the state.
Jasper County in the War of the Rebellion
In response to the seven calls for troops issued by President Lin-
coln to crush the rebellion, which at first was supposed to be the
matter of a three months' task, Jasper County furnished 935 soldiers ;
which is a most creditable record, considering that during that period
its average population was about 5,000 men, women and children.
Little difficulty was experienced in obtaining volunteers during the
first two years of the war, and no effort was made by the county
to stipulate enlistments by offering bounties. In fact, the finances
of the county would not warrant any such step. But the continu-
ance of the terrible war finally overrode any considerations of
financial caution. '
In August, 1862, an order was passed by the county commission-
116 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
ers to pay a bounty of $25, but was subsequently rescinded. On
November 24, 1863, the subject was again brought forward, and an
order passed to pay $60 to volunteers credited upon the quota of the
county under the call of October 17, 1863, and this amount was in-
creased in the following month to $100, which resulted in the pay-
ment of $4,900 as bounties by the county. Various measures of
relief for the families of soldiers were introduced, which were car-
ried out at an expense of $4,641.77. The various townships, in their
independent capacity, added to the general expenditure for both
objects, as follows :
Townships Bounty Relief
Hanging Grove Township $ 2,700.00 $ 400.00
Gillam Township 1,950.00 500.00
Walker Township 25.00 ....
Barkley Township 5,900.00 300.00
Marion Township 5,050.00 200.00
Jordan Township 200.00 ....
Newton Township 200.00 100.00
Keener Township 30.00 ....
Kankakee Township 100.00 ....
W^heatfield Township 323-QO ....
Carpenter Township 600.00 ....
County Commissioners 4,900.00 4,641.77
$21,978.00 $6,141.77
The ladies also formed a Soldiers' Aid Society at Rensselaer.
This was not completely organized, or auxiliary to the city organ-
ization, but patriotic ladies, with earnest hearts and willing hands,
busied themselves in providing such articles as the hospitals and the
boys in the field stood in greatest need. The society met at the resi-
dence of its members, and worked up the material that some mem-
ber, or the donation of some merchant, had provided. Donations of
the usual kind were solicited in the country and town ; "boxes"
were sent to volunteers of the county; contributions to general hos-
pitals were made, and whenever the demand seemed most urgent,
the labor and contributions of these ladies were freely given. The
amount thus expended cannot be estimated, but there is no doubt
that it would compare very favorably with the amount of the "relief"
fund expended by the county treasury.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 117
The Ninth as a Three Months' Regiment
In the Mexican war, the state had five regiments, and to avoid
historical confusion, the regiments raised for the War of the Re-
bellion were designated by numbers, beginning with six. The Ninth
was, therefore, the third regiment organized, for the War of 1861-65.
This regiment was organized and mustered into the service for three
months, at Indianapolis, on the 25th of April, 1861, with Robert H.
Milroy as Colonel. In this regiment Jasper County was represented
by a full company, the original officers of which were Robert H.
Milroy, captain; Gideon C. Moody, first lieutenant, and Edward P.
Hammond, second lieutenant. In the organization of the regiment,
this company was ranked G ; the captain promoted to the colonelcy
of the regiment, and the regular promotion of the lieutenants, plac-
ing Albert G. Guthridge in commission as second lieutenant. Com-
pany G may be said to be the nursery of Jasper County's military
renown, as from its organization rose one general, three colonels
and a number of line officers.
The Ninth was the first regiment that left the state for Western
Virginia, departing from Indianapolis on the 29th of May, and
arriving at Grafton on the 1st of June. From this point it marched
toward Philippi, in the column commanded by Colonel Kelley, and
took part in the surprise of the rebel camp at that place on the morn-
ing of the 3d of June. This march of twenty-two miles over muddy
roads, in an intensely dark and stormy night, was the first introduc-
tion of the regiment to the drudgery of army life. The affair at
Philippi was but little more than a skirmish, the enemy, after a mo-
mentary resistance, making a precipitate retreat. The expedition
returned to Grafton, when the Ninth was assigned to General
Morris' brigade. By July 4. 1861, the army at Grafton, under the
immediate command of McClellan, numbered 30,000 troops, and
operations were at once begun against the enemy, who had taken
position at Laurel Hill. Here the rebels made a more vigorous
resistance, but, greatly outnumbered, they gave way in a disorderly
retreat, not, however, before inflicting a loss of some fifty killed and
wounded upon the Union forces.
Gen. Robert H. Milroy, Leading Military Figure
Jasper County furnished several companies and a number of
contingents for service in the Civil war, which were incorporated
with the ninth, fifteenth, seventeenth, forty-eighth and eighty-seventh
118 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Indiana infantry regiments; with the twelfth cavalry, the fourth
battery of light artillery and other organizations, in which it was
less strongly represented. Its most eminent military figure was
Gen. Robert H. Milroy, in whose honor the stately memorial at
Rensselaer was dedicated fifty-five years after the conclusion of his
Civil war career.
Robert Houston Milroy was born in Washington County, Indiana,
June ii, 1816. Unable in his youth to secure a collegiate education,
he entered the military school at Norwich, Connecticut, at the age
of twenty-four, and in three years took three degrees, master of
arts, master of military science and master of civil engineering.
Afterward he taught fencing for a few months, returned to Indiana,
drifted to Texas, relocated in the Hoosier state, studied law, was
admitted to the bar in 1849, and completed a post-graduate course
at Bloomington in 1850. He failed to get to the front in the Mexi-
can war, although he enlisted early and received a captain's com-
mission in the First Indiana Regiment. He was, however, a mem-
ber of the convention which created the constitution of 1851, and
soon after completing his service in that capacity was appointed
judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. In 1854 he resigned from the
bench and transferred his residence from Delphi to Rensselaer.
Judge Milroy was in Indianapolis when the news of the firing
on Fort Sumter reached Governor Morton, and, after traveling
all night to reach Rensselaer, he at once raised a company of volun-
teers. The officers chosen were Robert H. Milroy, captain ; Edwin
P. Hammond, first lieutenant; Gideon C. Moody, second lieutenant.
The company became G, of the Ninth Regiment, of which Captain
Milroy became colonel, April 25, 1861.
The ninth was the first regiment to leave the state, and served
in the West Virginia campaigns under McClellan and Morris,
where Milroy and his command won the name of ever being ready
for duty or a fight. When the three months' enlistment was com-
pleted, the ninth promptly re-enlisted for three years. The Jasper
County company retained its original position, but had Joshua
Healey for captain. In September, 1861, for meritorious service,
Milroy was made brigadier-general, and again assigned to duty in
West Virginia. It was in the Cheat Mountain country that, mounted
on "Jasper," he won the title of the Gray Eagle of the Army. Then
it was that owing to his severe but efficacious orders in suppressing
the mountain rangers, or guerrillas, the Confederate Congress offered
a reward of $100,000 for him, dead or alive.
In November, 1862, Milroy was made major-general of volun-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
119
teers, and was in command at Winchester, in 1863, when Lee's
massed forces started to invade Pennsylvania. Ordered to evacuate
the place, he replied that he was able to hold it against any force
the enemy could send against it. He did defend it for three days,
or until both ammunition and food were virtually exhausted,
when he cut his way out at night with heavy loss, thus materially
retarding the progress of Lee's army as a whole toward Gettysburg.
In 1864 he won a merited consolation for the Winchester disaster,
General Robert H. Milroy
The Gray Eagle of the Army
in a sally from Murfreesboro, in which he decisively defeated
Bates' infantry. His conduct at the former point was made the
subject of military investigation, but, although exonerated, he
resigned from the army in 1865.
After the war General Milroy served in many positions of trust
and responsibility, being a trustee of the Wabash & Erie Canal,
superintendent of Indian affairs and Indian agent, with headquarters
at Olympia, Washington. It was while in office at that point that
he died, March 29, 1890, and was buried with the military honors
and civic ceremonies befitting his record and his fame.
120 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Although surmounted by an imposing statue of that grand
figure in life, known as the Gray Eagle, the memorial is also a tribute
to the valor and faithfulness of Jasper County soldiers as a body
and by individual names. Miss Mary Washburn, formerly of
Rensselaer, was the sculptress of the heroic figure, and Miss Mildred
Knight, of Delphi, a grandniece of the General, unveiled it.
Unveiling of Memorial at Milroy Park
Both Milroy Park and the soldiers' monument, of which it is
the central feature, were largely the creation of Mrs. Alfred Thomp-
The Old Milroy Homestead
Located on the site of Milroy Park and torn down in 1902
son. The memorial was unveiled on July 4, 19 10, in the presence
of an assemblage estimated at eight or ten thousand people. The
relatives of General Milroy who were present : V. A. Milroy, a son,
of Olympia, Washington; C. E. Milroy and wife, Chicago; Mrs.
Alice Keith and Miss Jennie Beck, Delphi ; Misses Dorothy and
Mildred Knight and Harry C. Milroy, Delphi; Robert Milroy,
Battle Creek, Michigan; Donald Milroy, Chicago; Will Armitage,
wife and daughter, Lafayette; John Armitage, Delphi; Dr. and Mrs.
Ballard, Logansport, and Mrs. Carrie Milroy Sims, Delphi.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 121
Judge Hammond's Tribute to General Milroy
The address opening the formal ceremonies of unveiling was
by Judge E. P. Hammond, who went out as a lieutenant of Company
G, of Colonel Milroy's regiment, and reached the rank of lieutenant-
colonel of the forty-eighth before the close of the war. He said, in
part : "It is a great personal gratification to preside at the dedica-
tion of the monument to this distinguished soldier, and especially
on the anniversay of the birth of the Republic. While the nation
at large is celebrating the day, we might well, in addition, rejoice
in this event which more particularly concerns our own community
and state. The monument is to the valor not only of General Mil-
roy, but to those who were his comrades in arms. It is a memorial
to the honor of all. Great praise is due to the generosity of our
citizens in its erection. In particular is praise due to the work of
Mrs. Alfred Thompson, who originated and executed the movement.
"All the great generals of the Civil war are gone, General
McGinnis being the last, having died a few weeks since. General
Milroy has been dead twenty years. He may not have been great,
in the ordinary sense of the term as applied to ancient and modern
warriors. However, if the term great be limited to pure patriotism
and bravery, then no general ever lived who was more entitled to
the name than Milroy. He had no conception of fear. Of him
Major Benham, of the regular army, remarked in action : 'There
goes Milroy. The rebels may kill, but cannot scare him.'
"General Milroy always took the initiative in battle unless
restrained by superior authority. He inherited righting blood from
both maternal and paternal ancestors. Through his ancestor, John
McElroy, Earl of Annondale, he was descended from Robert Bruce,
the Scottish king. The name, changed to Milroy on immigration
here in colonial days, is identified with warfare from Indian times.
His father, General Samuel Milroy, married Martha Houston, a
near relative of General Sam Houston.
"General Robert H. Milroy was born at Salem, Indiana, June
ii, 1816. Largely self-taught, he entered Norwich Military Uni-
versity in 1840 and graduated as class valedictorian in 1843. He
experienced much hostility during the war from the prejudice of
West Point graduates. He served as captain in Company C, First
Regiment Indiana Volunteers, in the Mexican war, afterward gradu-
ating in law in the Indiana University, and locating in this city
(then a village) in 1854. In 1858 Judge Hammond also located
here, and from then until the Civil war was more or less intimately
122
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
associated with General Milroy. A simply trust and faith in others
was characteristic of General Milroy, but if anyone infringed on
his honor, distance from the General added greatly to his safety.
He was a good lawyer, but owing to haste in diction, was not equally
good as an advocate. He was a splendid specimen of physical man-
hood, being six feet two and one-half inches in height, with unusual
The Memorial Monument
and symmetrical development, and excelled as a boxer and swords-
man. Through seconding a proposed duel, he became estranged from
his church in 1861, but late in life renewed his church allegiance.
"At the first news of the fall of Fort Sumter, he raised Company
G, Ninth Indiana, of which Judge Hammond was lieutenant, and
was soon commissioned colonel in the three months' service and
passed through a number of engagements. The Ninth then re-en-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 123
listed for three years with Milroy as its colonel, and February 2,
1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general, serving under Sigel
and Fremont, and in March, 1863, he was commissioned major-
general. To check extreme outrages on loyal citizens by rebel
neighbors in his district he ordered restitution in twenty- four hours,
with the alternative of death. This induced the offer of $100,000 for
his head by the rebels and complaint by the rebels to the Federal
Government. On investigation, however, the order was not revoked.
In the second battle of Bull Run he held that if his wing of the
forces had been supported a great mistake would have been avoided
and a different result would have been reached.
"Carl Schurz says : 'General Milroy was extremely democratic
in the treatment of his troops, discussing plans with and taking the
views of his subordinates with the greatest freedom, and was re-
spected and liked by all.' As evidence of the esteem in which he
was held, he had three swords presented him — one, a gold-plated
sword, by his officers ; the second, a $1,000 sword by the Twenty-fifth
Ohio, and a third, by loyal citizens of Tennessee."
A Nursery of Military Renown
The above title has been justly applied to the Ninth Indiana
Regiment, as witness the following facts relating to the military
careers of those who were originally connected with that organi-
zation.
Capt. Robert H. Milroy became a major general.
Lieut. Gideon C. Moody became colonel of the regiment and
was afterward a United States senator from South Dakota.
Lieut. E. P. Hammond became lieutenant colonel of the Forty-
eighth Regiment and afterward a State Supreme Court judge of
Indiana.
Second Lieut. Albert G. Guthridge became a captain in the
Forty-eighth.
John M. Garrett became a captain in another regiment.
Joshua Healey became a captain in the Ninth, a major in the
128th and colonel of the 151st.
Joseph Brenton became first lieutenant in the Ninth, and W. H.
Rhoades advanced to the same rank in the command named.
Mordecai F. Chilcote became a captain in the Forty-eighth Regi-
ment.
Reuben H. James became a major and a quartermaster, and
fames H. Loughridge, a surgeon, in other regiments.
124 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
First Union Victim of the Battlefield
At Laurel Hill one man of Company G was killed, and it is
claimed that he was the first Union soldier to be slain in battle dur-
in the Civil war. Dyson Boothroyd, of Company A, also died of
wounds received at that engagement, six days afterward, and the
claim was often made that he was the first Union soldier killed in
the Civil war. During the Spanish-American war military mat-
ters were uppermost in the public press and events in connection
with the Civil war were often revived. It was soon after Manila
had fallen that the old-time discussion again arose as to the first
Union soldier killed on the battlefield during the War of the
Rebellion, and Judge Hammond sent the following communication
to the Lafayette (Ind.) Courier: "In an item in your paper of
this date, in speaking of Dyson Boothroyd, you say: 'Boothroyd
was a member of Company A, Ninth Indiana, and was killed at
Laurel Hill, Virginia,' and also that he was 'the first Union soldier
killed in the civil war.' This is a mistake. I was in Company G,
of the Ninth Indiana, in the three months' service. That company,
on the arrival of the regiment at Laurel Hill, was sent in advance
as skirmishers and attacked the enemy on Laurel Hill. This was in
the forenoon of July 7, 1861. In that skirmish William T. Girard.
a member of said Company G, was instantly killed by a musket
ball fired by the enemy. In the afternoon of the same day Dyson
Boothroyd, a member of Company A, of that regiment while on
the skirmish line received a wound from which he died on July
13, -1861. This statement may be verified by reference to pages
38 and 45 of the fourth volume of Adjutant General Terrell's reports
of Indiana. I was within a few feet of Girard when he fell. I am
not able to verify the statement, but I have often heard it said that
Girard was the first man killed on the Union side in the war of
1861-65. At all events, he was killed on the field of battle, receiv-
ing the fatal shot a few hours before Boothroyd received the wound
from which he died, but not until six days after receiving it. Booth-
royd and Girard were equally good, brave and patriotic soldiers.
The particular time when either received his mortal wound is a
matter of no importance so far as his bravery was concerned ; but
if the event is referred to as a matter of history there should be
accuracy as far as possible.
"Sept. 21, 1898.
"E. P. Hammond/'
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 125
To make the record more complete, it may be added that although
a member of Company G, Girard volunteered from Monon, White
County.
After the engagement at Laurel Hill, the Confederate force
retreated across Cheat River, where it made a brief stand and was
dislodged, being pursued by a part of the army under General
Hill. This closed the campaign of the Ninth, under their three
months' term of enlistment, and in the latter part of July the regi-
ment was mustered out at Indianapolis.
On its return, the regiment found the early idea that the war
would be over in ninety days exploded, and promptly re-enlisted
for three years. The new organization was completed at the
rendezvous, at Westville, LaPorte County, under command of Col.
R. H. Milroy, and mustered into the service at LaPorte September
5, 1861. The Jasper County company retained its original position,
promotions and reorganization, however, making considerable
changes in its officers. The original officers under the reorganiza-
tion were : Captain, Joshua Healey ; first lieutenant, William H.
Rhoades, and second lieutenant, Benjamin R. Farris.
Soon after its organization the regiment moved to Western Vir-
ginia and afterward to Virginia, being transferred to Buell's army
in February, 1862, and sent to Nashville, Tennessee. As a part of
Nelson's division, it participated in the second day's fight at Shiloh.
Subsequently it took part in the leading movements and battles of
the middle-southwest, such as the pursuit of Bragg, and the engage-
ments at Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In December, 1863, the Ninth re-enlisted as a
veteran organization, returned home on furlough and in February,
1864, again left for the front. It was absorbed into Sherman's grand
army and participated in all its marches, campaigns and battles
to and around Atlanta. It then was drawn into the fierce contests
with Hood's army, including the battles of Franklin and Nashville,
and was finally mustered out in September, 1865, as a part of Sheri-
dan's army of occupation in Texas.
Company A, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry
In May, 1861, Governor Morton and the State Legislature offered
six regiments for service in the Union army, and the question of
entering the United States service for three years was at once sub-
mitted to them. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Seven-
teenth regiments promptly accepted the proposition, except a few
126 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES.
hundred who declined to volunteer for three years and were at
once discharged.
In the Fifteenth Regiment, Jasper County was represented by a
full company, which was assigned the designating letter "A," its
original officers being Samuel Miller, captain ; Horace K. Warren,
first lieutenant ; Alex S. Burnett, second lieutenant. The regiment
was mustered into the United States service at Lafayette, on June
14, 1861, with George D. Wagner as colonel. Soon after, it moved
to Indianapolis; from whence it proceeded by rail on the 1st of July
for Western Virginia, stopping at Cincinnati until the 4th of July.
Proceeding by rail to Clarksburg, it marched thence to Rich Moun-
tain, where it arrived on the nth, while the battle was in progress,
and next day formed a part of the pursuing force, assisting in the
capture of many prisoners. The regiment was afterward stationed
in Elkwater Valley, where it remained until November 19th, taking
an active part in the operations of General Reynolds that season,
among which were the repulse of General Lee and battle of Green-
brier. Soon afterward, as a part of Buell's army, it participated in
the second day's battle at Shiloh and the close of Perryville. In
November, 1862, the regiment marched to Nashville, where the
army was reorganized under General Rosecrans, Colonel Wagner
being appointed a brigadier general on the 29th of November, and
Lieutenant Colonel Wood being commissioned his successor. In
the march toward Murfreesboro, which followed, the regiment
participated, and in the battle of Stone River, on December 31,
1862, and January 1 and 2, 1863, it bore a conspicuous part, losing
197 officers and men killed and wounded, out of 440 engaged. After
this, the Fifteenth remained at Murfreesboro until June 24th, taking
part in the various expeditions sent out from that place. It then
marched to Tullahoma, where as part of Crittenden's corps, it aided
in turning the rebel position on the left, compelling the evacuation
of the place. The Fifteenth then remained in camp at Pelham,
Tennessee, until August 17th, when the army advanced on Chatta-
nooga, General Wagner's brigade, of which this regiment was a part,
being the first to enter the city. Here the regiment performed post
duty from September 9th until shortly before the battle of Mission
Ridge, in which engagement it participated, suffering heavily. Its loss
was 202 out of 334 engaged, being over 60 per cent. The day
after the battle it marched, with other troops, to the relief of General
Burnside, at Knoxville. There and at Chattanooga it performed
severe garrison duty ; in February, 1864, a portion of the regiment
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 127
re-enlisted and the balance was mustered out of the service at the
expiration of the three years' term in June.
The Seventeenth Infantry
A detachment of veterans and recruits was left behind at
Chattanooga by the Fifteenth, when it returned to Indiana to be
mustered out, and these were transferred by order of General
Thomas to the Seventeenth (Mounted) Infantry. Of these, thirty
were from Jasper County. The Seventeenth had re-enlisted in
January, 1864, and while in Indiana on veteran furlough, the
regiment was allowed to purchase horses, and from that time forward
acted as mounted infantry. When reached by the Jasper County
veterans, the Seventeenth was with General Sherman at Kenesaw
Mountain. From this time forward the regiment was conspicuously
engaged at Chattahoochee River (being the first troops to cross
this stream), Stone Mountain, Flat Rock, New Hope Church,
Rome, Coosaville, Leesburg and Goshen. On the 1st of November,
1864, after turning over its horses to Kilpatrick's cavalry, the regi-
ment left Rome, Georgia, for Louisville, Kentucky, where on the
24th, it was re-mounted. Moving from Louisville on the 28th of
December it reached Nashville on the 8th of January, 1865, whence
it marched to Gravelly Springs. Alabama, arriving there on the 25th.
Here it remained until the 12th of March, when it marched with
General Wilson's cavalry command into the interior of Alabama.
On the 1st of April the commands of Roddy and Forrest were over-
taken and attacked at Ebenezer Church, on Bogue's Creek, twenty-
nine miles from Selma ; the Seventeenth participated and charged
the rebels gallantly, capturing 100 prisoners and one gun, and losing
eight killed, eleven wounded and five missing. On the 2d, it par-
ticipated in the engagement at Selma, and in taking the rebel works
surrounding the town ; the Seventeenth first drove the enemy into
these forts and then out of them, and afterward drove them from
the interior works and their position behind the railroad embank-
ment into the town, taking all the forts from No. 18 to the river on
the west side of town. Four pieces of artillery and about 300 pris-
oners were captured. Out of 421 officers and men engaged, the
regiment lost twelve killed and eighty wounded. After the battle,
the regiment moved to Montgomery, and thence to Columbus,
Georgia, from which point it marched to Macon, near which place
it engaged the enemy on the 20th of April, and drove him into the
city, saving two important bridges, which the rebels were in the
128 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
act of firing. By a ruse, the enemy were led to believe that the force
was but the advance of two divisions of cavalry, and the city was
surrendered. With the city fell to Union hands four generals,
3,000 troops, including officers of all grades, five stands of colors,
sixty pieces of artillery, and 3,000 small arms. The Seventeenth had
in action during the day 451 officers and men, of whom one was
killed and two wounded. Camping near the city for a month, it
moved into Macon on May 22d, where it did post duty until the 8th
of August, 1865, when it was mustered out of the service. Leaving
Macon soon after the regiment reached Indianapolis August 16th,
with 675 men and twenty-five officers, and on the following day was
accorded a public reception. A few days later it was discharged.
The Forty-eighth Regiment
In this regiment Jasper County was represented by Company K,
which drew its full complement of officers and men from that county.
Its original officers were David S. Snyder, captain ; Albert J. Guth-
ridge, first lieutenant, and John Miller, second lieutenant. The
Forty-eighth Regiment was organized at Goshen, on the 6th of
December, 1861, with Norman Eddy as colonel, and left for Fort
Donelson, via Cairo, on the 1st of February, 1862, where it arrived
the day after the surrender. It then moved to Paducah, where it
remained until May, when it moved up the Tennessee River and
engaged in the siege of Corinth. After the evacuation, it was
assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division of the Army of the
Mississippi, and took part in the marches and countermarches in
pursuit of General Price. On the 19th of September, it participated
in the battle of Iuka, losing 116 men in killed and wounded out of
420 men engaged. On the 3d and 4th of October, it was engaged
in the second battle of Corinth (under Rosecrans), and lost twenty-
six killed and wounded. The regiment next moved down the Mis-
sissippi Central Railroad as far as Oxford, Mississippi, and on its
return marched to Memphis, where, in January, 1863, it was assigned
to the First Brigade, Seventh Division of the Seventeenth Army
Corps. After remaining here two months, it was transported down
the Mississippi, and, joining the army of General Grant, marched
with it to the rear of Vicksburg. During this campaign, the regi-
ment participated in the skirmish of Forty Hills on the 3d of May ;
the battle of Raymond on the 13th, the battle of Jackson on the 14th,
and the engagement at Champion Hills on the 16th of May, losing
in the latter battle thirty-three killed and wounded. It was actively
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 129
engaged in the trenches during the long siege of Vicksburg, and
took part in the assault on the 226. of May, losing thirty-eight in killed
and wounded.
After the expiration of its furlough, the Forty-eighth proceeded
to Huntsville, Alabama, where it remained until June. It then moved
to Cartersville, Georgia, and was kept on duty in that vicinity, look-
ing after guerrillas, and protecting General Sherman's railroad com-
munications during the campaign against Atlanta. It was continued
on this duty until Hood's invasion, when it joined Sherman's army
and marched with the First Brigade, Third Division of the Fifteenth
Army Corps, in its campaign from Atlanta to Savannah. From
Savannah it first moved to Beaufort, and then on the campaign
through the Carolinas, going through Columbus, Fayetteville and
Goldsboro to Raleigh. From this place it moved northward, after
the surrender of Johnston's army, making the distance from Raleigh
to Petersburg, 165 miles, in six days. From Petersburg, the Forty-
eighth went to Washington, but soon after its arrival was transferred
to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was mustered out of service on
the 15th of July, 1865.
The Eighty-seventh Regiment
The Eighty-seventh Regiment was organized at South Bend in
August, 1862, and was composed of three companies from Fulton
County, three from LaPorte, one from Miami and one from Jasper
(Company A). It was sent immediately to Louisville to form part
of the army under Buell designed to repel an apprehended attack
on that city by Bragg. As a part of Steadman's brigade it was
engaged in the battle of Perryville, in October, and afterward fol-
lowed the more decisive and brilliant campaigns of Rosecrans' army.
It participated in the flanking movement that drove Bragg from
Chattanooga, and bore a conspicuous part in the battle of Chicka-
mauga on the 19th and 20th of September, 1863. On the second day
of the battle the Confederate commander endeavored to turn the left
wing of Rosecrans' army interposed between it and Chattanooga and
retake the city which he (Bragg) had evacuated. He did gain pos-
session of the road and struck heavily on the left wing of the Union
army, the tip of which was held by the eighty-seventh. The main
credit has generally been given that regiment for repelling the fiercest
onslaughts at this critical point and thwarting the flanking move-
ment upon which was centered the main efforts of the Confederate
army. Its gallant and impetuous charge by which it regained the
130 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Chattanooga road, and the determination with which it held it,
marked the turn of Rosecrans' fortunes toward victory, and no
regiment in his army suffered so severely as the Eighty-seventh
Indiana. It went into the battle with twenty-two officers and 340
men. Of that number eight officers and thirty-two men were killed
on the field and four officers and 138 privates were wounded, and
eight missing — in all, 190, or more than half of the total engaged.
The regiment was at Chattanooga during the siege of that place.
In the reorganization of the army, it formed a part of the Second
Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. It was at the
storming of Mission Ridge, advancing in the first line of battle, and
was among the first that entered the rebel works — losing, in killed
and wounded, sixteen men. It followed in pursuit of the enemy to
Ringgold, Georgia. On the 22d of February, 1864, it engaged in
the expedition against Dalton, and skirmished with the enemy in
front of Buzzard's Roost Mountain, near that place. It then went
into camp at Ringgold, where it remained until the 7th of May, 1864.
In the great campaign against Atlanta, under General Sherman,
it was constantly at the front, skirmishing every day, and participat-
ing in the battles of Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree Creek, and before Atlanta. It charged and carried the
outer works at Uttoy's creek, in front of Atlanta, on the 4th of
August, 1864, losing, in killed and wounded, seventeen men. It
was engaged in the battle of Jonesboro, on the 1st of September,
after which it moved into Atlanta, after 100 days of continuous
fighting. Then followed the campaign against Hood, who was en-
deavoring to get to the rear of Sherman's army, the march to the
sea, and the sweep through the Carolinas, terminating with Rich-
mond, Washington and the grand review of the army at the na-
tional capital. The eighty-seventh was mustered out of the service
June 10, T865, and on the 22d was publicly welcomed home by Gov-
ernor Morton, at a reception held in the capitol grounds. Its total
casualties had been : Killed in action, 47 ; wounded, 198 ; died from
wounds and disease, 214; total, 459. It was estimated that it had
marched more than 3,500 miles. No regiment had a better record.
Twelfth Cavalry, Company K
Company K, of the Twelfth Cavalry, was composed principally
of volunteers from Jasper, Newton and Pulaski counties, and was
organized with the following officers: Captain, Daniel M. Graves;
first lieutenant, Henry H. Graves ; second lieutenant, William Chit-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 131
tenden. The regiment was first known as the 127th. It was organ-
ized at Kendallville in March, 1864, and Edward Anderson, who
had recruited eight of its companies in the Ninth Congresisonal Dis-
trict, was made colonel. But six companies were mounted and the
entire regiment, when ordered to proceed to Nashville in May, 1864,
was armed as infantry. When the command arrived at Louisville
the six mounted companies were supplied with cavalry arms and,
with mounted portions of the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry regiments,
started for Nashville under command of Colonel Anderson, and the
dismounted portion proceeded to that point by rail under Lieut. -Col.
Alfred Reed.
For several months both the cavalry and the infantry were
engaged in protecting a sixty-mile stretch of railroad, with head-
quarters at Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. Colonel Anderson
was in general command. Later the cavalry of the regiment was
in close and continuous contact with the famous bands of the Con-
federate general, Forrest, especially along the Nashville & Chatta-
nooga Railroad and in defense of Huntsville and Murfreesboro. In
March, 1865, the regiment participated in the operations against
the defenses of Mobile, and after the fall of that stronghold it was
with Major General Grierson in the famous raid of 800 miles
through Alabama and Georgia to Columbus, Mississippi, where it
arrived in May, 1865. This concluded its active service. The regi-
ment was afterward divided and wasmustered out at Vicksburg, in
November, 1865.
Fourth Battery, Light Artillery
The Fourth Battery, Light Artillery, was mostly recruited in La-
Porte, Porter and Lake counties, although Jasper had a considerable
representation in its ranks. It was mustered into the service in
September, 1861, under Capt. Asabel K. Bush, and was attached, at
first, to Buell's army during his operations in Kentucky, Tennessee,
and Northern Alabama. It participated in the siege of Corinth, the
battle of Chaplin Hills, and in the series of movements against the
Confederate army of Bragg. The Union army had then been reor-
ganized by Rosecrans. Captain Bush's battery was assigned im-
portant work at Stone River in December, 1862, and made a most
creditable showing, completely silencing a Confederate battery at
the sacrifice of four of its men killed and three wounded. On the
following day several of its guns were captured by the enemy, but
not before all but four of the horses had been killed, making it
132 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
impossible to maneuver the pieces. At Hoover's Gap and Chick-
amauga the battery was also engaged, and in September, 1864, the
veterans and remaining recruits were transferred to the Seventh
Battery. The non-veterans proceeded to Indianapolis, where they
were mustered out of the service.
In October, 1864, the reorganization of the Fourth Battery was
authorized by the War Department, and it was perfected with
Benjamin F. Johnson (one of the first lieutenants of the old bat-
tery) as captain. A few days afterward it joined the Army of the
Cumberland, at Nashville, and after the battle there was assigned
to garrison duty at Fort Rosecrans, Murf reesboro, where it remained
to be mustered out. It was finally discharged at Indianapolis, in
August, 1865.
Jasper County was represented in other organizations of the
Union army, but its quotas were so small that no legitimate purpose
of this history would be attained by noting them.
CHAPTER XI
RENSSELAER AND ITS INSTITUTIONS
First Actual Settlers — The Yeomans — William Mallatt—
The Rapids Named Newton — Yeoman Floated Out by Van
Rensselaer — Newton Platted in 1839 — Name Changed to
Rensselaer — Death of Van Rensselaer — Corporation of
Rensselaer, With Additions — Incorporated as a City —
Municipal Officials — City of the Present — Municipal
Departments — The Commercial State and First National
Banks — State Bank of Rensselaer — Jasper Savings & Trust
Company — The Local Press — Churches — St. Joseph's Col-
lege— Societies.
The planting of a settlement at the Forks of the Iroquois, or the
Bold Rapids of the Rockwise, a locality long famous among hunters,
trappers and fishermen, was a matter of much uncertainty for several
of the early years of the '30s. Several explorers who desired to
locate claims in a promising region went thither and departed for
other localities ; they were all attracted by the wildness of the place
and by its prodigality of fish and game, but those who passed it by
considered that there was too much marsh land in the neighbor-
hood to make either the raising of crops or settlements a promising
outlook.
First Actual Settlers
Finally, in the fall of 1835, Joseph D. Yeoman and John and
George Nowels, father and son, with young Mrs. Yeoman, raised
the first cabin on the site of Rensselaer. Mr. and Mrs. Yeoman
(John Nowels' daughter) had two young children.
About four years before, Royal Hazelton, accompanied by Levin
Willis and W. J. Wright, set out in search of the "bold rapids of
the Rockwise." They struck the head of the stream, followed its
133
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JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 135
course as closely as the state of its margin would allow, to a point
which is now the site of the iron bridge east of the county seat, and
there gave up the search and returned. Not satisfied with this boot-
less errand, Hazelton, after failing to enlist the enthusiasm and com-
pany of the others, started out alone in a second quest of the rapids.
Providing himself with two large "corn-pones," a few cooking
utensils and his lariat, and accompanied by his five dogs, he set out
on horseback for the noted place. He struck the river about twenty-
five miles south of the rapids, and then following up the stream
came upon the rapids. The place did not meet his expectations. An
impassable marsh bordered either side of the stream, and while it
afforded all that the savage or hunter might desire, it presented a
very discouraging site for the settling of a claim, and he returned
after a seven days' absence without any desire to exchange Mootz
Creek for the Iroquois.
The Yeomans
The solitude of the rapids seems to have remained undisturbed by
the white man until 1834, when they were visited and rejected by
Thomas Randle and George Culp, and later accepted by the Yeo-
mans and the Nowels. In the following year the family came and
pitched their tent about in the geographical position now known as
Liberal Corner. On this spot the family remained while the per-
manent home of logs was reared. Mrs. Yeoman chose the site for
this structure which was placed on the site of the bridge which
crosses the mill race on Washington Street. It was nearly winter
when the last weightpole was placed on the top course of clapboards
that formed the roof of the new cabin and the family found it neces-
sary to take possession without waiting for the fireplace or door. A
logheap in the middle of the room furnished the necessary warmth
and light, while a few displaced clapboards allowed the smoke to
escape. This served until further improvements could be added.
The nearest resident in the county at that time was David Phegley,
who then lived about five miles to the eastward of the county seat, on
the Crockett farm. The family relied upon their own resources in
raising the cabin, Mrs. Yeoman bravely doing her share in the heavy
work.
In the spring following, Mr. Yeoman was under necessity of
going to the Wabash for provisions with an ox team. During his
absence Mrs. Yeoman, with the two children, were left alone, and
136 • JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
while thus unprotected a party of fifty Indians came down to the
rapids to fish. They camped about where the grist mill now stands,
and caught wagonloads of fish. Their method was to throw the fish
out with paddles, made for the purpose, with one hand, while hold-
ing a torch in the other. None but dog-fish were preserved for
their own use, however; a bass or pickerel being brought to the cabin
to exchange for bread. The savages were very docile, and offered
her no discourtesy, though it may be imagined that the solitude was
preferable to the presence of such visitors. Mr. Yeoman made a farm
upon the site of Rensselaer, extending from the ravine which reaches
the river at the mill on the south to the western grove on the north.
Here he lived and improved his claim without near neighbors for
three years. The family heard of the advent of the Forks settle-
ment, but the impassable character of the stream between the two
locations prevented any communication.
William Mallatt
The first accession to the little settlement thus begun, if the
father, W. J. Wright, be excepted, was William Mallatt. He lo-
cated his claim across the river from Yeoman, and broke ten acres
of ground covering the site of Mr. Thompson's residence and others
westward toward the bend of the river. He was not allowed to rest
long in the possession of this site, as it was taken by a "float" owned
by W. M. Kenton. This was a peculiar way the General Govern-
ment had of disposing of its lands, and very often worked grave
injustice, as in two cases, at least, at the rapids. To discharge certain
obligations, the Government granted a warrant for a certain amount
of land to be located at the option of the holder on any land belong-
ing to the United States. Until 1837, lands could not be bought
here, and settlers made claims with the intention of perfecting their
title at the first opportunity. This was sometimes neglected, and
while their "claim" was proof against any similar demand, it was
powerless before a "float." In this case Mr. Mallatt was obliged to
forsake his improvements, and removed to the Blue Grass settle-
ment.
The Rapids Named Newton
In the meantime, the county seat had been changed to the Rapids
of the Iroquois, and the place named Newton.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 137
Yeoman Floated Out by Van Rensselaer
Mr. Yeoman had determined in his own mind to lay out a
village here, and was flattering himself upon the outlook, when he
found himself "floated" out of his prospects by James Van Rensse-
laer. The latter had been a merchant in Utica, New York, where
he had failed in the panic of 1837, and becoming the owner of a
"float" issued to some of the Indians, he came West, with this
capital, to repair his fortunes. The site at the rapids seemed to offer
the opportunity he sought, and he soon became the possessor of a
good farm, considerably cultivated, and a portion of it well fenced.
More than this, the site of a village was foreshadowed at this point,
and for all these advantages there is no evidence that he allowed his
predecessor a dollar for his improvements. It is said that there
was a decided opinion entertained as to the equity of the proceeding,
and it was marked as an instance of poetic justice that a certain
well-fenced cornfield semed to be the especial prey of all the stock
that grazed on the prairies. Donahue's cattle were frequently found
to have strayed to this distant point, and superior to fences, were
found rioting in the standing corn.
Newton Platted in 1839
On June 12, 1839, the original plat of the Town of Newton was
filed, the specifications accompanying the plat explain that "the
town of Newton is situated at the Rapids of the Iroquois River
in Jasper County, Indiana, on Section 30, Town 29 north, Range
6 west. The Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are each three hundred feet;
the remaining whole blocks are each three hundred feet square.
Block 25 is 295 by 300 ; Block 26 is 295 by 300 feet. The lots are
each 50 by 150 feet, except the middle lots in Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
and 6; they are each 45 by 150 feet. The lots in fractional blocks
vary according to the shape of the blocks. There are twenty-six
blocks besides the Public Square ; the Public Square is 300 feet
square. The streets around the Public Square are each 75 feet wide ;
Susan street is 63 feet wide ; Mill street is 50 feet wide ; the street
immediately south of Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, is 50 feet wide till
its junction with Mill street, where it expands to 56 feet wide ; the
rest of the streets are 66 feet wide. It is not intended that Front
street should be laid out as a public street more than 50 feet wide,
although it is believed it will always remain open to the river. From
Old Mills along the Iroquois River
Upper view : Old saw mill erected near Washington Street bridge
in 1855 ; torn down in 1880.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 139
the junction of Front and Angelica streets westward, it is 66 feet
wide."
The town thus laid out was divided, commencing on the river,
by~Mill (short street, near the site of the old mill, near the foot
of the rapids), Front, Van Rensselaer, Cullen and Weston streets,
and at right angles to these by Sudan, Angelica, Washington, Har-
rison and Rutsen streets. This street was laid out in the name of
Van Rensselaer's wife as his pecuniary liabilities would not permit
him to hold property in his own name. A public sale of lots was
held some time in this year, the first one being disposed of to J. D.
Yeoman for a consideration of $100, and is described as Lot 6
in Block i. The location of the county seat here gave the growth
of the town an impetus, bringing several families, among which was
that of George W. Spitler.
Name Changed to Rensselaer
But the growth of the village was destined to be slow. The
proprietor came from the old Dutch stock, once prominent in New
York, and impressed with certain aristocratic notions and an exag-
gerated idea of the natural advantages of the site, he refused to sell
lots at what they were really worth, or at an approximate price.
He labored also under the disadvantage of a lack of money to develop
his property, and at the same time sought to monopolize every pos-
sible avenue of trade. The result was that the little town stagnated,
and for years made no progress. The mill-race was built in 1838-39,
and a mill erected at the ravine near the foot of the rapids. This
was a combined saw and grist mill, and was among the earliest
of its kind in this part of the state. For various reasons, however,
it was forced to lie idle much of the time, and other mills were
erected. One about a mile further down the river was built by a
Mr. Peck, to which Mr. Van Rensselaer took exceptions as infring-
ing upon his right to monopolize the milling business and resulted in
a series of lawsuits involving Peck in nominal damage and serious
bills for costs, which finally put an end to his business. The "Alter
Mill" in Union Township occasioned an ineffectual remonstrance
from the proprietor of the county seat, as the dam there was sup-
posed to interfere with the advantages of the mill at the rapids.
140 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Death of Van Rensselaer
Mr. Van Rensselaer, while conservative in his policy, and greatly
circumscribed in his action by his lack of means, is remembered with
respect by those who knew him. After his death, March 12, 1847,
his family returned to the East; the only survivor of the family,
now an old man, resides in the City of New York, and still holds
considerable of the original place with all the tenacity of his deceased
father.
Among the families connected with the early history of the
village, in addition to those mentioned, were the Stewarts, Irwins,
Barrs, Sparlings, Clarks, etc. Dr. Josiah. Clark was the first physi-
cian in the county, and settled in the village in 1839. The death of
Mrs. Ezra Stewart was the first to occur here, though the first
burial was that of Mrs. Irwin, some time later. The first birth
was that of J. J. Yeoman ; the second that of Joseph Sparling. The
first marriage is said to have been that of Edward Dryer to Mrs.
Elizabeth Barr, which was celebrated in the house where the first
court was held. By special act of the Legislature approved February
18, 1840, the name of the town was changed from Newton to
Rensselaer.
First Fourth of July
The social dissipations of this period were confined to an occa-
sional meeting, a quilting or a Fourth of July celebration. The first
of the latter occasions was held in 1843, and combined the three
classes of diversion in one. The programme was projected by Mrs.
Spitler, and consisted of a two-story quilting party, to which the
whole town was invited. The ladies divided their forces, and
worked on two quilts, one upstairs and the other below. At 2 o'clock
in the afternoon, the company repaired to a large oak that stood
at the corner of Washington and Van Rensselaer streets and listened
to a discourse by Reverend Mr. Hopkins of the Christian Church.
His topic was doubtless suited to the occasion ; at all events, it did
not seem unfitting to close the day with the round of games that
were the usual finale of the quilting party. Thus
"Far from the madding crowd,
They kept the quiet tenor of their way."
In 1850, the town contained "three stores, two physicians, one
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 141
lawyer and fifteen dwelling houses," the first of the stores being
opened by Harper Hunt.
New Town of Newton
There seemed to be a settled opinion that the progress of the
town was greatly retarded by the exorbitant prices asked for lots
by Mr. Van Rensselaer, and as early as 1844, a new t°wn of Newton
was platted by William Ivers. This consisted of twenty-four blocks
(four of half size) of eight blocks each, and a public square. Some
lots were sold, but the prestige was in favor of the older town,
and this did not solve the problem. It was subsequently sold to
Mervin Clark and Amzi Stanley, who had the old plat recorded in
June, 1851, just as it was originally surveyed. It is generally known
now as "Newton's Addition," though it is incorrectly stated. The
specifications of the plat set forth that "the town of Newton, Jasper
County, Indiana, is situated on the northwest half of the northwest
half of Section 30, in Township 29 north, in Range 6 west. The
northeast corner of Block No. 9 is situated directly south (allow-
ing for the variation of the needle) of the northeast corner of said
lot of land, 5 poles, 14 links. The southeast corner of the town
identifies with the corner of the forty acres on which it is situated.
The town lies with the range and section lines, to-wit, north and
south, east and west. The blocks are each 276 feet square. The
lots are 66 feet wide; the alleys 12 feet wide." The streets which
divide this plat running east and west are South, Jackson and Harri-
son streets. The streets at right angles to these are Washington,
Eliza and Jefferson streets.
The western addition to the original Town of Rensselaer was
platted in June, 1850; Newton's, or Clark's addition in August, 185 1 ;
South addition in June, 1853, and Weston's addition, platted by
Rosewell Weston, in January, 1858.
Corporation of Rensselaer, with Additions
On the 8th of December, 1858, L. A. Cole, R. H. Milroy and
fifty others signed a petition to the county commissioners for the
incorporation of the town, with the following boundaries : "Com-
mencing at the southwest corner 'of Section 30, Township 29 north,
Range 6 west, thence north 32.34 rods ; thence east 85.55 rods ; thence
north 2,300 feet; thence east 162 rods; thence south 2,300 feet;
142 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
thence east 80 rods; thence south 321.34 rods; thence west 325.55
rods to point of beginning." The area thus included comprised
about 791 acres, and contained a population of 467.
At an election held January 5, 1859, the question of incorporation
was carried, and the commissioners declared the town incorporated
as Rensselaer, on Tuesday, March 8, 1859. Weston's second addi-
tion was platted by Henry Weston in August, 1872, embracing the
territory covered by the original addition. Weston cemetery was
laid out in July, 1873. Other additions located within the boundaries
of the town as incorporated in 1859 were as follows : Leopold's,
1879; Dwiggin's subdivision of part of Weston's second addition,
1880; Thompson's, 1881 ; lands bordering on the Iroquois River
owned by the Jasper County Draining Association, 1884; southeast
addition, 1887; Kannal's subdivision, 1892. In March, 1893, was
platted Columbia addition, and a little later Benjamin & Magee's
and Sunnyside additions.
The board of trustees extended the boundaries of the town so
as to include these additions. Riverside Park addition was platted
in July, 1895, and in the following month the board of county
commissioners extended the town boundaries so as to annex
unplatted territory heretofore outside the corporation boundaries
Subsequently Thompson's, Emmet's, Yeoman's and Harvey's addi-
tions were platted.
The survey and plat of the Town of Rensselaer as made by
Mayhew, Hopkins & Miller in 1875, was legalized by legislative act
of February 23, 1889.
Incorporated as a City
The town having grown to a population exceeding 2,000, a peti-
tion of over one-third the legal voters of the town was presented to
the board of trustees praying that a census be taken with a view
to incorporation as a city. On March 23, 1896, the marshal was
ordered to take a census, and his returns indicated a population of
2,142, exclusive of those who had become residents within forty
days. An election was therefore ordered to be held April 10, 1896.
As the result was a large majority in favor of municipal incorpora-
tion, the return was filed with the clerk of the Circuit Court and
the town of Rensselaer became a city April 13, 1896. Those voting
for it numbered 283 ; against, 93.
The first officers were as follows : Mayor, Thomas J. McCoy ;
clerk, Schuyler C. Irwin; treasurer, Charles C. Starr; marshal,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
143
Thomas McGowan ; councilmen — First Ward, Moses B. Alter and
Frank B. Meyer; Second Ward, Charles G. Spitler and John C.
Porter; Third Ward, Joseph R. Knight and Wallace Robinson; city
attorney, Charles E. Mills; chief of the fire department, Edgar M.
Parcels ; civil engineer, Lathrop A. Bostwick. Until 1905 the city
marshal was elected; since that year, he has been appointed by the
Common Council.
Municipal Officials
In May, 1900, John Eger was elected mayor; S. C. Irwin, clerk;
James H. Chapman, treasurer, and Abram Simpson, marshal.
I m Wi wt s
H 1 Li i-«» ~- ^ M*fiflliK5* ssfcisi
Bird's-Eye View of Rensselaer
In 1902, James H. S. Ellis, mayor; Charles Morlan, clerk; J. H.
Chapman, treasurer, and Melvin Abbott, marshal. Mr. Morlan
has served as clerk continuously since that year.
In May, 1904, the only change was in the election of treasurer,
Moses Leopold.
Since 1905 the election has been in November, and the officers
for 1904 were continued. Since the former year, the municipal term
of office has been four years.
In 1909 George F. Meyers was elected mayor and Roy D.
Thompson, treasurer.
In November, 1913, Charles G. Spitler was elected mayor,
144 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Charles M. Sands, treasurer, and Charles Morlan, clerk, for another
four years.
City of the Present
Rensselaer is now a substantial, clean and handsome city of about
four thousand people, located on the Monon Railroad. Its resi-
dence and business streets are well kept ; it has flour mills, tile and
cement block manufactories, and the usual line of smaller industries,
such as blacksmith shops and wagon shops ; a depot for the sale of
agricultural implements ; completely stocked dry goods, grocery
and general stores, and other evidences of prosperity and growth.
Three banks, two newspapers, numerous churches and societies,
abundance of pure water and electric light, a thoroughly organized
school system and other unclassified institutions and active agencies,
are continuously developing Rensselaer into one of the best and
most promising little cities of Northern Indiana.
Municipal Departments
Although originally established through private enterprise, the
electric plant and water works have been under municipal owner-
ship for a number of years. The water works were built about
1898, but were rebuilt, as well as the electric plant, when they became
city property. The water supply is drawn from two deep flowing
wells sunk through limestone rock to the water vein, to a depth
of about 1,300 feet. It is forced through the mains by an electric
centrifugal pump, affording both a bountiful supply for domestic
and public purposes and for fire protection ; the pressure exerted
is sixty-five pounds to the square inch. The regular fire department
— in reality an auxiliary to the protection afforded by the water
works system — comprises a hook and ladder, hose wagons, a chemi-
cal tank, a Babcock fire extinguisher and minor appliances.
Since George W. Spitler taught the first school at Rensselaer,
in the early '40s, the people of the town and city have heartily
supported the public schools and all movements, within their means,
tending to develop them.
The three buildings now occupied by the six hundred pupils
enrolled within the system are grouped about three blocks north
of the public square. The old high school building, now called the
Grammar School, was erected in 1882; the Primary (new grade)
building was completed in 1892, and the new High School building,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 145
in 1812. The Primary and Grammar buildings cost $20,000 each,
and the new High School, $30,000 ; total value of school property,
$100,000.
The Commercial State axd First National Banks
The Commercial State Bank, Rensselaer, was organized April 2,
1895, with a capital stock of $25,000. Addison Parkinson, George
K. Hollingsworth, James T. Randle, Emmet L. Hollingsworth and
John M. Wasson were elected its first directors. On March 26, 1895,
Rensselaer High School
the following first officers were elected : Addison Parkinson, presi-
dent ; George K. Hollingsworth, vice president ; Emmet L. Hollings-
worth, cashier.
The first change in the affairs of the bank of importance, aside
from a gradual growth, occurred on February 11, 1903, when at a
meeting of the board of directors the bank decided by vote to
change from a state to national bank, and to increase its capital
stock to $30,000. At this time the officers were : Addison Parkinson,
president; John M. Wasson, vice president, and E. L. Hollings-
worth, cashier. On May 6, 1908, John M. Wasson was elected
president to succeed Addison Parkinson whose death, after thirteen
years services, was deplored in resolutions adopted by the board
146 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
of directors. The capital stock was increased to $60,000 on Decem-
ber 26, 1907.
Emmet L. Hollingsworth was elected on January 1, 1913, to
succeed John M. Wasson as president and at this time James N.
Leatherman was elected cashier. R. A. Parkinson was elected presi-
dent to succeed E. L. Hollingsworth on April 1, 191 3. The present
paid-in capital stock of the First National Bank is $60,000 ; surplus
and undivided profits, $45,000 and deposits nearly $320,000. Its
total resources are over $480,000.
State Bank of Rensselaer
In 1904 the State Bank of Rensselaer was organized with a capital
stock of $25,000. It was organized under Indiana laws with officers
as follows: John Eger, president; James H. Chapman, vice presi-
dent, and Delos Thompson, cashier ; M. A. Irwin, assistant cashier.
With the exception of the last named, the officers have remained
the same as when organized. The present assistant cashier is D. A.
Beckman. In 1908 the capital was increased to $30,000. The sur-
plus and undivided profits amount to $35,000; average deposits,
$275,000.
Jasper Savings & Trust Company
The Jasper Savings & Trust Company was organized June 20,
1906, by Charles G. Spitler, Emmet L. Hollingsworth and others with
a capitalization of $25,000. The first officers were Charles G. Spitler,
president ; James N. Leatherman, vice president, Judson J. Hunt,
secretary-treasurer, and C. H. Mills, assistant secretary-treasurer.
Owing to a confusion of the name "Jasper," some of the mail going
to Jasper, Indiana, and elsewhere, the name was changed by an
action of the Circuit Court, in 1908, to The Trust & Savings Bank.
It was created under the laws of the state to do a general trust and
banking business. The capital stock, and the officers, with the
exception of E. J. Randle, who succeeded Mr. Leatherman as vice
president, have remained unchanged since the organization.
The Local Press
The newspapers of Rensselaer represent the two great political
parties, and have long been known as the Rensselaer Republican and
the Jasper County Democrat. But the town had a newspaper nearly
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 147
twenty years before the predecessors of either of these publications
existed. The first of its newspapers, the Jasper Banner, was estab-
lished in 1853, and was supported by both democrats and whigs.
John McCarty was its first editor. Several years after the estab-
lishment of the Banner the slavery question brought about such a
sharp division between the parties that no paper could remain
neutral and exist, and in the campaign of 1856 the republican party
was fairly born. Then came the cleavage in local newspaperdom.
The Banner openly espoused the cause of democracy, and on the
29th of April. 1857, the Rensselaer Gazette was established as the
organ of the republican faction. There could be no mistaking its
faith, as announced in its first issue : "The Gazette will be Repub-
lican in politics, 'now and forever.' We will exert all the energy
that is in us to advance the cause of freedom, whose standard was
so nobly borne aloft last fall by John C. Fremont."
The Jasper Banner ceased publication in 1861. The Rensselaer
Gazette was founded by J. W. Sullivan and Daniel F. Davies. Mr.
Davies soon afterwards became sole proprietor, and in 1859 or i860,
being elected to office, sold the establishment to I. N. S. Alter and
Thomas Boroughs. In 1861, James Spencer bought Mr. Borough's
interest, and the firm became Alter & Spencer. In the following
year, Robert C. Mitchell purchased Alter's interest, and the new
firm was known as Mitchell & Spencer. The senior partner soon
afterward retired, and Mr. Mitchell a little later sold the paper to
C. H. Tatman. In the latter part of 1864. or early in 1865, Mr.
Spencer again became proprietor, and in July or August of that
year sold a half interest to A. H. Green. The name of the paper
was then changed to the Jasper Signal. This continued only some
two or three months, when the material was sold to R. B. James,
who issued the first number of the Prairie Telegraph. Wednesday,
October 18, 1865. It was a weekly, republican, six-column folio.
The Iroquois Press was started in Rensselaer in the later months
of 1867, by Joshua Healey and Jacob Reiser. It was a seven-column
folio, weekly, republican paper. In the later part of the month of
September. 1868. R. B. James sold the Prairie Telegraph to his son,
Horace E. James. Colonel Healey became sole proprietor of the
Iroquois Press, and the two offices were consolidated, the new
paper bearing the name of the Rensselaer Union. This was a
seven-column weekly, republican in politics. In 1874. it announced
itself independent of political parties, and was enlarged to a six-
column quarto. November 9. 1875. Colonel Healey retired, leaving
Mr. James sole proprietor.
148 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Spider's Real Estate Gazette was started at Rensselaer in July,
1872, and was continued a year. It was a four-column folio, issued
monthly by Thomas J. Spitler, to advertise his real estate business,
and was printed by James & Healey. On February 1, 1876, H. E.
James and C. M. Johnson formed a partnership, united their respec-
tive offices in one, and published a consolidated paper under the
name of the Rensselaer Union and Jasper Republican. The first
number appeared February 3, 1876, taking the volume and num-
ber of the Union. It was a weekly, seven-column quarto, and
republican in politics. Subsequently Johnson retired, and later
M. O. Cissel became partner with Air. James, under the firm name
of H. E. James & Company, the paper in the meanwhile being
reduced to a folio. In May, 1879, Mr. Cissel retired, and the fol-
lowing month started the Rensselaer Standard, a seven-column
folio, republican weekly. Mr. James, in October, 1879, sold the
Union to T, M. Bitters, who also bought the Standard in January,
1880, and merged it in the former paper. In the following July,
Mr. Bitters sold the establishment to Calkins & Johnson, but the
latter never took an active part in the business beyond the fact of
the sale, and was succeeded in a few months by a brother of Mr.
Calkins, and the firm became Calkins Brothers. On May 1, 1881,
Messrs. C. F. Overacker and G. E. Marshall purchased the office, and
August 1, 1882, Mr. Overacker retired, leaving George E. Marshall
the sole proprietor. The name of the paper was changed in 1880,
by Calkins & Johnson, to the Rensselaer Republican, a name it still
retains.
The first paper started at Rensselaer as a distinctive democratic
paper was the Democratic Sentinel, which was first issued February
18, 1877, by James W. McEwin, who came from Monticello, Indiana,
where he had conducted a similar paper for eighteen years. It con-
tinued for several years.
The Jasper County Democrat was established in April, 1898, by
Shields & Dilley, and has been owned and edited since July of that
year by G. M. Babcock. It is a semi-weekly.
The Rensselaer Evening Republican was established in 1897.
The weekly, or original paper as stated, was founded by Calkins &
Johnson in 1880. The present publishers, Healey & Clark, issue a
semi-weekly as well as a daily. Both are experienced and practical
newspaper men still in early middle age. Leslie Clark, one of the
partners, did his first editorial work on the old People's Pilot, at
Rensselaer, in 1891. After spending several years in various other
newspaper enterprises in Indiana and Ohio, he bought the Pilot in
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 149
1897, and changed its name to the Journal. In 1908 the Journal
and Republican were consolidated under George H. Healey and Mr.
Clark, the present firm. Mr. Healey, editor and one of the proprie-
tors of the Republican, is the son of Joshua Healey, the Civil war
veteran who became colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-first
Indiana Regiment and died in Goodland in 1880. The son is not
only well known as a newspaper man and a citizen, but is also promi-
nent in the military matters of his day, being now a major in the
Indiana National Guard.
Churches and Societies
The Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists were early organized
at Rensselaer, and have maintained their organizations ever since.
The Methodists of the place, who formed a church in 1834 under
Rev. E. G. Wood, were the first organized religious body in the
county. In 1836 the Independent, or Gillam M. E. Church, was
organized at the cabin of John M. Gillam by Rev. H. Bradenburg,
an itinerant preacher. Their first meeting house was built in 1849
near the site of what afterward became Independence Chapel. The
present M. E. Church of Rensselaer is under the pastorate of Rev.
Paul C. Curnick, and occupies one of the most elegant houses of
worship in the city.
The Presbyterian Church was organized February 10, 1847,.
by Rev. Edward W. Wright. Its original members were James and
Susan Van Rensselaer, Susan C. Weston, Ezra and Martha Wright,
Lucinda Mahaffee, Henry Barkley and Ira and Lois B. Allen. The
founder of the town was buried in its churchyard. Rev. J. B.
Fleming is pastor of the church at the present time.
The Rensselaer Baptist Church (Missionary) was recognized
by council in 185 1, its first pastor being Rev. Moses A. Kern. The
Free Will Baptist Church was founded in 1853 by Rev. Peter
Lansing. Rev. F. H. Beard has charge of the Baptist Church
of today.
The Church of God at Rensselaer was organized by Elder
William P. Shockey in i860. Rev. Norman Warner is its present
minister.
The First Church of Christ, of which Rev. Asa McDaniel is
pastor, occupies a handsome and modern building.
The history of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church of Rensse-
laer and of the Diocesan Orphan Asylum is uniform from 1865 until
1887, when the parish was established in that city. Until a church
150 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
building was completed in 1885, the Catholics of Rensselaer attended
services at the orphanage. In 1887 the orphan asylum was moved
to Lafayette and Fort Wayne.
Having purchased the Spitler farm, about a mile south of Rensse-
laer, Bishop J. Luers of the diocese of Fort Wayne, appointed
Rev. Joseph Stephan as the first superior of the orphanage. Father
Stephan's successors in that position were Rev. Henry Renson, Rev.
Bernard Kroeger, Rev. P. Hartmann and Rev. Mathias Zumbuelte.
Father Zumbuelte had commenced to build a brick church for the
Catholics of Rensselaer and vicinity. It was dedicated in 1885.
As stated, the parish was established at Rensselaer in 1887. Rev.
M. Zumbuelte remained at its head, as well as superior of the
orphanage, until March, 1888, and was succeeded by Rev. George
L. Willard. Then, in succession, came Revs. Anthony Dick, Stanis-
laus Neiberg, Francis Schalk, Bernard Dickmann, Edward Jacob,
Charles Nothers, Thomas Meyer and Christian Daniel.
In September, 1903, the parochial school connected with St.
Augustine's Church was completed ; in 1905 several lots with a resi-
dence adjoining the church property were purchased, the house
being remodeled for the sisters' home, and in 1909 the pastor's resi-
dence was completed. A church to cost about $60,000 is being
planned (summer of 1916). At present St. Augustine's parish
numbers about 155 families, or nearly 800 souls.
Rev. Christian Daniel, of St. Augustine's Church, is also in
charge of St. James Church, at Newland. He held the first services
in the public school there, in June, 1914, and by May of the following
year a small frame church building had been completed and occu-
pied. It was largely due to Thomas Callahan, who donated the
site and contributed liberally in other ways, that such progress was
made. The charge now embraces about twenty families.
St. Joseph's College
About 1867 Bishop Luers of Fort Wayne organized St. Joseph's
Catholic Church as an adjunct of St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum and
Manual Training School. The asylum was conducted at Rensselaer
for twenty years, when the orphans were transferred to Lafayette
and Fort Wayne. Some 900 acres of land had been acquired about
a mile from the county seat ; but the founding of St. Joseph's Col-
lege was of a later day, and resulted from a different movement.
In 1889 Bishop Dwenger, of Fort Wayne, offered Father Henry
Drees, C. PP. S., the provincial of the Society of the Precious Blood,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
151
a tract of land on the edge of the Big Slough swamps a mile south
of Rensselaer, on condition that he and his associates would found
an institution dedicated to the training of Catholic youth. He
accepted the offer, and in the spring of 1889 articles of incorporation
were filed in the state auditor's office. Stone was procured from the
nearby quarry and brick burned on the grounds, the early work-
being superintended by Father Anthony Dick, first pastor of St.
Augustine's parish. The cornerstone of the main building was laid
in 1891, and the south wing was completed in the summer of that
year by Father Augustine Seifert. In the fall of 1891 the college
Main Building of St. Joseph's College
was opened to fifty-four classical students, and in 1893 the new
north wing was added, containing chapel, auditorium and drillroom
for the military company. The faculty building, then known as the
Minim Building, was built during the spring and summer of 1897,
and opened to the junior students in the fall of the year. At that
time the enrollment numbered about 100. In 1899 a beautiful college
chapel was completed.
In the summer of 1899 Rev. Augustine Seifert, who was called
away to reorganize the seminary of the Precious Blood Society, was
succeeded to the presidency of St. Joseph's College by Father Ben-
edict Boebner, who had been an instructor in that institution. Father
Augustine returned to the college, as its head, in the fall of 1902, and
in the spring of 1905 a spacious gymnasium was completed which
152 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
also afforded accommodations for social, literary and musical enter-
tainments. A large infirmary building, known as Dwenger Hall, was
added to the group of college buildings in 1907, and in 1912 the man-
agement completed power and electric light plants, a waterworks
system, and an underground heating and wiring installation.
In the spring of 1913, Rev. Augustine Seifert resigned as presi-
dent of the college, and was succeeded by Rev. Hugh Lear, who had
been a member of the faculty since 1899. Soon afterward extensive
alterations were begun on the gymnasium building, and the work
was nearly completed when, in the spring of 1914, the structure was
destroyed by fire. The Society of the Precious Blood furnished the
rebuilding funds, amounting to $120,000, and the new gymnasium
building, twice the size of the old, was ready for occupancy at the
beginning of the academic year 191 5. The gymnasium proper com-
prises two rooms — one for basketball and other indoor games, and
the other intended for permanent fixtures and apparatus.
The college auditorium will accommodate 800 persons. The
library has a capacity for 40,000 volumes, and there are reading,
play and clubrooms and all other modern facilities for social inter-
course and improvement. Outside the college buildings are nearly
eighty acres of attractive grounds, laid out in gardens, parks, ball
grounds, tennis courts, tracks, shady nooks and walks. A concrete-
lined pool also affords the means for swimming and skating in
season. The campus is especially attractive to the student body, as
thousands of trees have been planted upon it by its members.
Societies
Rensselaer is strong as a society (lodge) town. The Masons
(first organized as Jasper Lodge No. 125) were established as early
as 1851, the Odd Fellows (Iroquois Lodge No. 143) in 1854, and
the Knights of Pythias (Rensselaer Lodge No. 82) in 1878. They
are still the most substantial of the secret and benevolent bodies.
On the other hand, one of the youngest of the lodges is among the
strongest ; although organized as late as January, 1916, the Red
Men of Rensselaer number over 190. The Order of the Eastern
Star, Pythian Sisters and Reb^kahs, ladies' auxiliaries of the Masons,
Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, also have organizations. To
the foregoing array is also to be added the Catholic Order of Forest-
ers, Royal Neighbors, Knights and Ladies of the Maccabees, Poca-
hontas lodge (Red Men's auxiliary), Daughters of the American
Revolution, Grand Army of the Republic and Sons of Veterans.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 153
Rensselaer Post No. 84, Grand Army of the Republic, was organ-
ized July 12, 1882. Its successive commanders have been as follows :
Horace E. James, E. L. Clark, James F. Irwin, Mordecai F. Chilcote,
Nathan Bates, T. F. Clark, George Dexter, James A. Ramey, John M.
Wasson, James A. Burnham, Ralph W. Marshall, Henry Grow and
David H. Yeoman (present incumbent). When the new courthouse
was built in 1896 the county commissioners set apart a room for the
post, furnishing also light and heat, and dedicated Memorial Hall to
the veterans of the Civil war. The membership is now less than
thirty ; since the organization of the post it has carried 224 members
on its rolls.
CHAPTER XII
REMINGTON
Always a Grain and Livestock Center — Elevators — State
Bank of Remington — Corporation Matters — Remington
Public Library — The Newspapers — The Churches — Foun-
tain Park Assembly.
Remington is an incorporated town of about 1,100 people, in the
southern part of Jasper County, situated on the Pennsylvania line and
in the midst of a prosperous agricultural district. The original rail-
road in that section, the Logansport & Peoria, was completed in De-
cember, 1859, Dut was not thoroughly organized for business until
March, i860. The railroad authorities had established a station at
Carpenter's Creek, in the center of the fertile Grand Prairie, and
soon afterward Jesse H. Fordice laid out the village of Carpenter.
The name was subsequently changed to Remington, after one of its
citizens who kept the second store in the place.
Always a Grain and Livestock Center
From the first, Remington flourished as the market town and
shipping center of Grand Prairie, with its bountiful crops of corn,
oats, barley and forage. Cattle, sheep, hogs and horses have also
found an ideal country in that region, with its unfailing water and
grass supplies. When the railroad came, all these natural advantages
were developed into a large trade in grain and livestock, but it was
nearly a decade before the bulk of shipments warranted the building
of elevators.
Elevators
In 1870 Church & Hartley erected the first elevator, two years
later Hathaway Brothers established the second, and in 1879 James
Irvin built the third. At the present time, the local organizations
which control the local grain trade and elevator business are the
Kelley Grain Company and the Farmers Co-operative Company.
154
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
State Bank of Remington
155
For the past eight years Remington's standing as a convenient
trading and shipping center has been strengthened by possessing local
banking facilities. The State Bank of Remington was organized in
November, 1908, with a capitalization of $25,000. The first direct-
ors were : James H. Gilbert, J. H. Biddle, S. G. Hand, Christian
Hensler, Emil Besser, Elias Julian and W. I. McCullough. The first
officers: James H. Gilbert, president; J. H. Biddle, vice president;
S. G. Hand, cashier; F. L. Lough, asistant cashier. This corpora-
Ready to be Shipped from Remington
tion was composed almost wholly of men living in and around Rem-
ington. They bought the furniture, fixtures and good-will of the
First National Bank, which had gone out of business. The first
important change in the affairs of the bank occurred on October 20,
1909, when Mr. Hand was succeeded as cashier by F. L. Lough,
who has continued as such to the present. On January 1, 1912, the
capital stock was increased $5,000, making it $30,000. On January
9, 19 1 2, J. H. Biddle was elected president and James H. Gilbert
vice president, and on January 2, 1913, Mr. Hand was elected presi-
dent and Charles G. May vice president. The present officers are :
S. G. Hand, president ; Charles G. May, vice president, F. L. Lough,
cashier, and Mary Roush, assistant cashier.
The State Bank of Remington is the only bank in Remington,
and has followed conservative banking methods from its inception.
156 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
It was started primarily as a safe place to transact banking, and it
has become to the citizens not only a place for banking, but a place
of accommodation and for wise counsel. On May i, 1915, the state-
ment of the bank disclosed the following: Capital stock paid in,
$30,000; surplus and undivided profits, $15,000; demand deposits
and certificates, $242,000.
Corporation Matters
The original plat of Remington was dated July 27, i860, and
the town was incorporated September 6, 1869. The mayors, or
presidents of the board of trustees, for the past thirty years have
been Elkanah B. Vondersmith, Charles T. Denham, Fred A. Hicks
and S. G. Hand.
Remington has enjoyed a copious supply of pure water since
1897, when the first of the three wells from which it is drawn was
sunk. As they have been driven to a depth of from 540 to 740
feet and the supply is protected by an inclosed reservoir and tank,
the drinking water is especially cool and pure. The water works
have a capacity of about ninety gallons a minute. The water sys-
tem is owned by the municipality. Since 1909 the electric light of the
town has been supplied by the Inter-State Public Service Company,
from the Monticello plant.
Remington has a good school conducted under the superintend-
ency of G. C. Powers, with an enrollment of about 275. The build-
ing was erected in 1889 at a cost of about $25,000, and an addition
to it will soon be built.
Remington Public Library
The public library is another institution which has a distinctive
educational value, and, in accord with the rule, it is largely a creation
of the women of Remington. It was through the efforts of the
Federation of Clubs, an association effected for civic improvement
by five of the social and study clubs of the place, that the movement
for a public library begun. A library committee appointed from the
Federation to conduct the campaign planned each step in accord-
ance with the State Library laws, with the guidance of the Public
Library Commission.
A canvass of the town yielded twice the number of subscrip-
tions necessary and a donation paper circulated at the same time
met with a generous response, both in books and money, making
JASPER AND XEWTOX COUNTIES
157
maintenance of the library possible until it should come into the
benefits of the justified levy. A library room was fitted up and a
successful book shower held. The removal to the public library of
a large per cent of the school library books was effected and the
loan of several boxes of books was obtained from the State Traveling
Library.
Remixgtox's Water Tower
The management of the library was then transferred from the
committee to the legally appointed library board. A librarian was
chosen, and was aided by an organizer from the commission in the
technical work of preparing the books for the shelves.
The library was then opened to the public the first of June, 1914,
for two afternoons, and one evening of each week. A library tax
was levied by the town council in July, 1914. and the privileges of
the public library were then offered by the library trustees, on the
158 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
legal conditions, to the township, and were accepted by the advisory
board in September, 1914.
In February, 1915, the library board successfully sought the
co-operation of the town council and township advisory board in
the matter of securing a Carnegie Library. Through a site com-
mittee appointed from the three boards a building lot was chosen,
the Federation of Clubs contributing largely to the purchase fund.
An architect was employed by the library trustees, plans were
agreed upon, which were submitted to and accepted by the Carnegie
corporation. Contracts for the building were let in September, 191 5,
and it was completed and formally dedicated May 30, 1916. The
successive librarians were Miss Louise Hartman, Mrs. Lillian Barnes
and Miss Mollie Shearer.
There are 2,584 volumes at present, with a monthly circulation
of 1,828. A large measure of the credit for the successful achieve-
ment of the library is due Rev. J. B. McNary, a member of the
original library committee and president of the library board from
its inception to the date of completion of the Carnegie building.
The Newspapers
The newspaper history of Remington goes back to 1872, when
the Journal was started by Messrs. O. E. DeForest and J. E. Dun-
ham, but it was published less than two years, when. the material
was moved to Rensselaer. In October of the same year (1874)
Shortridge & Winegarden commenced the publication of a republican
weekly called the Guard ; it proved a weak member of the guild and
survived but a few months. Then A. J. Kitt and A. B. Clark came
from Rochester, Indiana, and established the Record at Remington.
In 1877 it suspended and soon afterward the Times was started by
Charles Jouvenat, who continued its publication until the fall of
1878 when he moved the plant to Goodland. Charles Cox next
launched the Reporter, in which O. W. Church became interested ;
but in January, 1881, W. H. Coover assumed the management and
changed the name to the News.
The Remington Journal was started in Remington, July 3, 1872,
by Messrs. O. E. DeForest and J. E. Dunham. It was a seven-
column weekly folio, neutral in politics. Charles M. Johnson bought
the office in March, 1873, and continued the publication of the
Journal until September, 1874, when it ceased publication, and the
material was moved to Rensselaer. The Jasper Republican appeared
September 18, 1874, being printed on the types and presses of the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 159
defunct Remington Journal. It was republican in politics, but
otherwise unchanged in its general character from its predecessor.
The Remington Press was established in 1878 and among its
early editors and publishers were George Majors, John and W. I.
McCullough, G. M. Babcock and Fred L. Griffin. Its present editor
and proprietor, H. J. Bartoo, has been at the head of its affairs since
August, 1912.
The Churches
There are four churches at Remington — the Methodist, organ-
ized in 1859; the Presbyterian, established in 1865; the Christian, in
1867 and St. John's Catholic, founded in 1875.
The first pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church was Rev.
J. H. Hull, and for a number of years after his pastorate the records
of the society are quite incomplete. The permanent and prosperous
organization dates from the pastorate of Rev. H. A. Gobin. which
covered the years 1870-73. When the present house of worship
was erected in 1871, it was considered the most complete edifice of
the kind in the county, but was so outgrown that it was remodeled
in 1899, and a larger and more handsome church is now in process
of erection. The society now numbers 340 members and a strong
movement is being carried forward under Rev. W. B. Warriner, the
present pastor, to erect a new and adequate edifice. Between the
pastorates of Rev. H. A. Gobin and Rev. W. B. Warriner, in accord
with the church polity, the Remington charge has been served by
twenty-two ministers, as follows : Revs. T. A. Meredith, E. A.
Andrew, G. A. Blackstock, C. S. Burgner, Thomas E. Webb, J. A.
Clearwaters, C. C. Haskell, J. Boicourt, W. H. Vance. L. Nebeker,
E. B. Woodson, F. M. Cones, J. L. Greenway, James W. Worrall,
A. H. DeLong, David Handley, W. R. Mikels*. W. A. Mathews,
H. M. Middleton, Charles W. Postill, R. H. Crowder (the longest
pastorate, 1906-11), and J. B. McNary.
The First Presbyterian Church of Remington was organized
April 29, 1865, by Rev. Horace A. Mayhew, J. C. Irwin and Elder
Cornelius Hutton, who formed a committee appointed for the pur-
pose by the Logansport Presbytery. The original membership was
fifteen. The society erected a small frame church building in 1867,
and in November of that year called to the charge its first regular
pastor, Rev. William Patton. He served until May, 1869, when he
was succeeded by Rev. Levi Hughes, who was killed on the railroad
in November of the following year. Those who have served the
160 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Remington charge since, are the following : Rev. William Campbell,
May, 1871-June, 1872; Rev. J. B. Crowe, September, 1872-Septem-
ber, 1873; Rev. R. L. Adams, April, 1874-April, 1875; Rev. J. B.
Crowe, September, 1875-September, 1888; Rev. William Kearns
(supply), five months in 1889; Rev. J. L. Foster, May, 1890-May,
1891 ; Rev. John Crozier, June, 1 891 -December, 1891 (date of
death) ; Rev. G. V. McKee, April, 1892-October, 1896; Rev. J. L.
Griffes, November, 1896-March, 1901 ; Rev. J. Dyke, March, 1901-
December, 1902; Rev. E. B. Whitney, July, 1903-May, 1908; Rev.
Gibson Wilson, December, 1908-September, 1910; Rev. E. H. Bull,
December, 1910-September, 191 5; Rev. E. F. Lilley, since December,
I9I5-
The original church building was occupied twenty years, and
was remodeled in 1887. As thus improved, it served its purposes
for more than a quarter of a century. The cornerstone of the brick
edifice now occupied was laid in 19 13 and it was dedicated in June,
19 14. The First Presbyterian Church has a present membership
of 170.
Fountain Park Assembly
Fountain Park, the headquarters of the Assembly or Chautauqua,
is located about a mile northwest of Remington in a beautiful natural
grove. The tract is included in the historical Carpenter's Grove,
which covered an area of several hundred acres studded with oak,
hickory, walnut and wild cherry trees. On all sides were expanses
of prairie lands, which are now attractive and comfortable farms
and homesteads. Carpenter's Creek, a tributary of the Iroquois
River, flows between steep banks and meanders through a picturesque
country.
Robert Parker, a banker and enterprising citizen of Remington,
owned a portion of Carpenter's Grove along the creek and from
which sprung several pure, living springs. It seemed as if nature
had designated the locality for some high purpose. In 1895 he
therefore set aside about thirty acres of his land, built a tabernacle,
provided other accommodations for visitors, and on August. 13th of
that year was held the first meeting of the Fountain Park Assembly
for the purpose of discussing religious, scientific and literary sub-
jects. The character of the meeting and the movement was essen-
tially moral and religious.
The dedicatory lecture was delivered by John J. Ingals, the
famous senator, orator and literateur from Kansas, and his subject
was "The Perils of the Republic."
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 161
Mr. Parker conducted the assembly as an individual enterprise
for two years, when the project had outgrown his sole management,
and an organization was formed, with regular constitution and
by-laws, known as the Fountain Park Company. It was a stock
concern, with Mr. Parker as president. In 1898 the company erected
a large hotel, a cement dam was built across Carpenter's Creek for
boating and bathing accommodations, and as required, other build-
ings were added, especially for lodging and refreshing the large
assemblies which gathered on the grounds. For these purposes the
Pioneer Improvement Company was organized, of which J. H. Biddle
has been president for a number of years.
The first cottage on the assembly grounds was erected in 1897;
Fountain Park now contains fifty well-built structures. Until 1902
the assembly had been operated exclusively as a Christian Church
enterprise. During that year the stockholders voted to change the
by-laws so as to admit others to share in the enterprise, and a
mixed board of directors was elected, of whom a majority should
belong to the Christian Church. In 1904 the company incorporated
with a capital of $30,000 and is now conducted as a union Chautau-
qua, in charge of the Christian Church. A morning sermon is de-
livered by one of that sect, but the lecturers are of all denominations.
Mr. Parker was president and superintendent until 1907, when
he became financially embarrassed and resigned, his place being
taken by W. I. McCullough, formerly vice president. Mr. McCul-
lough still holds the presidency. The vice presidents have been
W. I. McCullough, C. H. Peck, Walter L. Gum and J. H. Biddle ;
the secretaries, Mrs. M. T. Didlake, Fred L. Griffin, C. H. Peck
and Rev. J. D. Carson (Mr. Peck, present incumbent) ; treasurers,
Dr. H. Landon and James A. Washburn. There are nine directors
who serve for three years, three of whom are elected each year. Mr.
Biddle was elected on the first mixed board in 1902 and is still
serving. He is president of the Pioneer Improvement Company
and Fountain Park Cottagers' organization, vice president of the
Fountain Park Company and superintendent of the Sunday School
department. In 1904 the company named leased the assembly
grounds for twenty-five years, the sites for cottages being sub-leased
to those who wish to build.
The twenty-second annual session of Fountain Park Chautauqua
was held August I2th-27th, and the programme was musical, literary,
humorous, earnest, artistic and entertaining; in other words, was
varied, liberal and up-to-date. The Knights of Pythias, Odd Fel-
lows and veterans of the Grand Army also had special days set
162 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
apart for them. As usual the two weeks of the assembly consti-
tuted a notable event for Jasper County. About four years ago
was organized the Ladies Fountain Park Improvement Association,
which has done fine work in the way of beautifying the grounds and
the tabernacle and adding to the comfort and enjoyment of visitors.
SIMON KENTON
Compliments of the Parkison Family
CHAPTER XIII
MINOR CENTERS OF POPULATION
Saltillo, the Pioneer Settlement — The Forks Settlement,
Rensselaer's Early Rival — The Blue Grass Settlement —
Carpenter's Grove — Davidsonville — Hanging Grove — Town
of Wheatfield.
There were several settlements in Jasper County which promised
well in the early days, but were blighted in the bud ; others overtook
them, the railroads consequently did not reach out for them as sta-
tions, and, with the extension of the rural delivery, they are not now
even designated as postofhces. The best known of these "might-
have-beens" were Saltillo, the Forks and Blue Grass settlements,
Davidsonville and Carpenter's Grove.
Saltillo, the Pioneer Settlement
Saltillo, in what is now Gillam Township, was the earliest center
of population to be formed in Jasper County. Before the organiza-
tion of the county, in 1838, it became quite a political center, but
afterward did not maintain its prestige. It was at Saltillo that Wil-
liam Donahue held the office of justice of the peace for several years,
which, for the time, made it the seat of justice. The families of
John Gillam and Joseph Mcjimsey located there about 1836 and
others soon afterward. As the state road from Williamsport to
Winamac went through the settlement, quite an impetus was given
it toward villagehood. Also, the weekly mail went through town,
after leaving a small contribution for Saltillo. But, at best, a few
houses and a postoffice limited its growth.
The Forks Settlement, Rensselaer's Early Rival
As already stated, the first to arrive at the site of the Forks
Settlement, the junction of the Iroquois and the Pinkamink, were
Thomas Randle and George Culp, Virginians, who came from White
163
164 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
County in 1834. They had secured a stack or two of prairie hay
and prepared to make a claim there when a prairie fire destroyed
the result of their labor, and they set out to see the Rapids, of which
they had heard. But as before noted, they chose a site in the
"forks" of the river, and were soon joined by others. In the sum-
mer of 1836, Royal Hazelton returned to this section and joined this
settlement, but soon afterward sold his claim to John G. Parkinson.
The latter was a son-in-law of Simon Kenton, famous in the border
wars of Kentucky and Ohio. The widow of Kenton came with her
daughter to this settlement, where she died in 1856. Henry Barkley,
St., came in soon afterward and gave his name to the township of
Barkley. Others joined the settlement, as noted in preceding pages,
and the community rapidly grew in importance. Here was one of
the earliest points visited by itinerant ministers, Mr. Culp's house
furnishing a place of worship. The first marriage was that of J. M.
Iliff to a daughter of Mr. Parkinson, and the first death was that
of an infant son of Mr. Randle. In this settlement also was the
first blacksmith shop, store and schoolhouse in the county.
A. J. Guthridge opened the store here in a little cabin situated a
half mile north of William Parkinson's place, on the farm of Mr.
Casad. His stock was confined to the actual necessities, but which
became almost impossible luxuries when only acquired by a long,
tedious journey. His patronage, though not large, was drawn from
the Kankakee to the Monon rivers. The blacksmith shop opened
by Henry Freshaur, in 1839, was patronized from far and near,
until that of Rial Benjamin and others south of the Iroquois and
Pinkamink, divided his trade. In this settlement, also, was the first
brick dwelling in Jasper County, which was erected by Thomas
Randle. This was placed with the corners toward the northeast and
southwest, as he feared the strength of the furious storms which
swept over the country. It is related that the Indians were especially
attracted to this dwelling, and often came on begging errands, much
to the discomfiture of Mrs. Randle, who could never learn to bear
their presence with equanimity. Her corn cakes were their especial
admiration. It was their habit to wait their cooking, and take them
warm from the griddle, showing their appreciation and approach
to civilization, however, by laying down a quarter, and leaving in
silence. The squaws were frequent visitors, and it was not an
infrequent thing to see two or three papooses stood up against the
outside of the house while the mothers were inside.
But the Forks was early displaced by the Rapids and for many
years before 1878, when Rensselaer obtained railroad connection,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 165
was simply known as Pleasant Grove Postoffice. It was a few
miles north-by-east of the county seat.
The Blue Grass Settlement
When the pioneers of Jasper County first came to the Rapids,
or Falls of the Iroquois, they found in what is now Newton Town-
ship an Indian village. The Pottawatttamies, in the cultivation of
their corn and vegetable fields, had burned the wild grass over
quite an area, and blue grass had naturally taken its place. About
1836 William Mallatt, whose claim at the Rapids had been jumped,
or floated, selected land near the Indian village. He was soon
joined by the Benjamins, Lewis Elijah, the Thomas family, Alvah
Yeoman and others, who called their community the Blue Grass
Settlement. A church and a school were soon organized, but no
village was ever platted. So much corn was raised by the Indians
and the white settlers that S. H. Benjamin erected one of the first
corn-crackers in the county. His contrivance stood on two stumps
about eight feet high, and the custom eventually came from a
radius of ten or fifteen miles, or until better mills were established.
The distinctive name of the settlement was maintained for many
years, and even long afterward applied to the schoolhouse, estab-
lished in the neighborhood.
Carpenter's Grove
The settlement of Jordan Township usually known as Carpen-
ter's Grove, was rather an adjunct of Rensselaer than independent.
Its principal members came in about 1836, and were, in addition
to John Jordan, Samuel Sparling, his wife, father and mother and
brother, Samuel Benson, wife and child, and John Franklin, wife
and two children. These all came together in two wagons, from
Allegany County, New York, drawn thither by the representations
of Augustus Bingham, a brother-in-law of Sparling, who had set-
tled in Newton County in 1835. Sparling settled near the Iroquois
at the "cut off," to which point the river was reported as navigable
at that time. Franklin settled four or five miles further down the
river. Sparling subsequently moved to the county seat, and was
one of the early families to locate there.
Davidsonville
Davidsonville was laid out by Moses E. and Lewis Davidson,
the plat of which was recorded June 18, 1850. This village was
166 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
located a short distance up the stream from the crossing at Saltillo,
and consisted of two blocks, one street and an alley. It attained
the prominence of a mill, a grocery, a shop or two, and several
dwellings. If the Continental Line Railroad had reached it, the
village might still have retained a place in the geography of the
county, but that enterprise was crushed in 1873 and the village
site for years marked by the ruins of one old mill is now swept
clean. A short-lived distillery threatened to change the name of
the place, and it was once locally known as Haddox Mill Pond,
or Haddoxville, from the proprietor of the still. Saltillo and
Davidsonville, are still to be found marked on the old maps, though
with so much variation in location as to satisfy the claims of any
one ambitious to claim its vicinity.
Hanging Grove
The early community which settled within the present limits
of Hanging Grove Township was closely allied to that of Gillam,
from the necessity of their natural surroundings. The name of
the township originated in a grove of oak, which by a freak of
nature drooped their branches almost to the ground. Here the
families of Robert Parker, Robert and William Overton, came
in March of 1837. These families were natives of Pennsylvania,
but came here from Rush County, in this state. In May following,
John Lefler came here with a drove of cattle to graze, and sub-
sequently came here to live. Donahue came to this section in July
of this year, and in the latter part of the year, Joseph Oosley came
here from Kentucky. Michael Lefler came in 1839, and the set-
tlement gradually increased until it became independent under
township organization.
Town of Wheatfield
Wheatfield, an incorporated town of about 400 people, is
on the line of the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad Company,
in the northern part of the county, and dates from the building of
that road, under the name of the Plymouth, Kankakee & Pacific
Railway, in the early '80s. WTith the draining and general improve-
ment of the Kankakee region, the village has become the center
of a productive and prosperous region, and is the banking and
shipping town for much of the northern part of the county.
Wheatfield is in the midst of a productive grain and vegetable
district, and among its industries is a pickle factory conducted by
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 167
Claussen & Son. The tile factory is owned and operated by John
A. Williams, and is the source of supply for means of drainage in
most of the adjacent lands. A good bank also adds to its advan-
tages as a trade center.
The village has a good school under the superintendency of Mor-
gan L. Sterrett, the building being erected in 1907. In that year
R. J. Owen became the first superintendent; P. R. Blue served in
1908-09; M. L. Sterrett in 1909-12; Lester A. Sayers, 1912-15, and
Mr. Sterrett a second term since the latter year.
Bank of Wheatfield was organized as a private institution in
1900 with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were : Robert
Parker, president ; J. P. Hammond, cashier. Mr. Parker sold his
holdings in 1905, Mr. Hammond continuing as cashier until 1908.
In 1905 Horace Marble became president and in 1906 the capital
stock was increased to $13,000. In 1908 H. W. Marble succeeded
Mr. Hammond as cashier. In 1910 Horace Marble, the president,
died and was succeeded by his son, H. W. Marble, who has continued
as president to the present. In 1910 A. L. Jensen became cashier
and has since officiated as such. The capital of the bank is $13,000;
surplus and undivided profits, $8,000; average deposits, $140,000.
Neither are the religious wants and needs of the community
neglected. There are Methodist, Christian and Catholic churches.
the first named being the only organization of the kind with a settled
pastor. Rev. G. A. Emerich is pastor of the Methodist Church.
The Catholic Church of the Sorrowful Mother consists of
about twenty-five families, in charge of Rev. H. Hoerstman, of
St. Edward's parish, Lowell, Lake County. Early in the '70s there
was a little German settlement on the old Indian ridge, or Potta-
wattamie trail, through the Kankakee swamps, which were then
commencing to be tiled and drained. Rev. Joseph Stephan, of
San Pierre, Starke County, first celebrated mass among these Ger-
man Catholics, generally in the log cabin of William Grube. Then
some Franciscan fathers came from Lafayette, and for years after-
ward the spiritual supply for the Wheatfield church was drawn
from priests stationed at the so-called Indian School, near St.
Joseph's College, Rensselaer. Father Hoerstman has been in charge
since 1912. The church was organized at Wheatfield by Rev.
Dominic Shunk in 1886, under whose direction a little log church
was built and dedicated. This was afterward replaced by a larger
frame meeting house, also erected under Father Shunk's ministry.
Father Hoerstman has also charge of the congregation at New-
land.
CHAPTER XIV
NEWTON COUNTY BEFORE IT WAS A POLITICAL
BODY
Darroch's Review Previous to Civil Organization — No Indian
History — The Period of Lawlessness — Early Adventurers —
The Kenoyer Settlement — First Postoffice at Brook —
John Murphy Founds Morocco — John Ade Locates There
— Morocco and the Neighborhood in 1853 — Lands in the
Goodland Region — Alexander J. Kent and Kentland.
Much of the general historic matter already presented in this
volume refers as logically to Newton as to Jasper County. The
transfers of sovereignty from French to English and from Eng-
lish to American hands, of the territory now included in North-
western Indiana ; the clearing of Indian titles from the lands, and
the final departure of the Miamis and Pottawattamies from the
soil, the forests and the streams over which they held uncertain
ownership, and the story of the creation of the Twin counties previ-
ous to the time when Newton acquired a well-defined body politic
— all such topics as these have a legitimate bearing upon the history
and development of the Newton County of the present. In suc-
ceeding pages the main lines of historic expansion will diverge
from the point in the late '50s when the movement commenced to
form a new county out of Jasper, as then constituted.
Darroch's Review Previous to Civil Organization
But considerable pioneering was accomplished as a necessary
foundation for the civic superstructure which afterward arose.
Quite a number of settlers came into the territory of the Newton
County of 1916 when it was little more than a name and depended
upon other more settled and organized communities for its political
rights and legal protection. John Darroch, who did so much to
organize the first distinctive government of the county, has left
168
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 169
on record a general survey of the foreground of men and events
which leads up to Newton's actual birth in i860. "After the Black
Hawk War of 1832," he says, "the Indians having all moved west of
the Mississippi river, emigration from the older states of the
Union became so great that the legislature of Indiana, through
the efforts of John Wranten of Jennings County, chairman of the
Committee on the Formation of New Counties, passed a bill in the
year 1835 to lay off into counties the northwestern portion of
Indiana. Following are the counties created : Jay, Adams, DeKalb,
Steuben, Whitley, Kosciusco, Fulton, Marshall, Stark, Pulaski,
Jasper and Newton.
"Newton county, as then laid off, was bounded on the south by
the line dividing Townships 28 and 29 north, and extended north to
the lake and was attached to Warren for judicial purposes, but
never had an organized existence. Lake County was soon after-
ward organized out of the territory north of the Kankakee river,
and in the year 1838, Jasper County — its territory then embracing
the present counties of Jasper, Newton and Benton. The first
Commissioners' Court was held at Parish's Grove, and an order was
made by said court that all the courts should be held at the resi-
dence of George W. Spitler on the south side of the Iroquois river
below the cut-off. Isaac N. Naylor, of Crawfordsville, Ind., was
the first judge; Hon. J. A. Wright, of Rockville — he who after-
ward was member of Congress, governor of Indiana, United
States Senator and minister to Berlin — was the first prosecutor;
and George W. Spitler was the first clerk, also auditor and recorder,
and held his office for a number of years. In 1840 the county seat
was located at Rensselaer.
"The first settlements in this county, like all other new settlements
of those days, were made along the water-courses. There are evi-
dences of settlements on the Iroquois river, when and by whom made
I have been unable to ascertain. The chief monuments left by them
to mark where their cabins stood are dilapidated fireplaces. In 1831
John Lyons, father of Aaron Lyons, lived one year south of the
river on the farm now owned by Charles Martin. About this time,
owing to the threatening attitude of the Sacs and Fox Indians, whose
chief was Black Hawk, about 500 Kickapoo Indians left their homes
in Illinois, and spent about one year on the Iroquois river hunting,
trapping and fishing, and then returned to their homes.
"In the year 1832, Aaron Lyons, above mentioned, was born on
the south side of the river near what is known by the first settlers as
170 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the 'cut-off.' Aaron is the oldest man to the manor born in Newton
County.
"Up to the year 1840 quite a number of settlers was added; of
the arrival of whom I have no dates. Among them were the Spit-
lers, Andersons, Roberts, Lyons, Kenoyers, Barkers, Dunns, Elijahs,
Elliotts and others. I think that in the year 1850 we could poll the
good round number of 100 votes in what is now Newton County.
There were about 24 votes in Beaver Township when they all turned
out.
"It was not until about the year 1850 that much effort was made
to farm or cultivate the prairie soil of this county. From the year
1854 to 1857, there was quite a speculative fever in the swamp lands
of northern Jasper County. Some parties at Indianapolis being
largely interested in the lands procured an act of the legislature
forming new counties, and they proceeded in 1857 *0 carry their
speculations into effect, marking out their county which was called
Kankakee County. James Ballard, swamp land engineer, laid out
their town near the center of the proposed county, and I believe
they called it Cobbtown, and put their petition in circulation for the
same. The citizens of the western part of the county, who had
been thinking of a division of the county north and south, early in
the summer of 1857 held a meeting at Morocco, and voted to present
a petition for division to the Board of Commissioners at their Sep-
tember term, which was done — said petition stating that the name
of the new county should be known as Newton.
"These who took an active part in this matter were Silas Johnson,
John Ade and Thomas Barker — he who named the new county —
John Andrews and many others of our best citizens. After inci-
dents usual to all petitions — traveling the routines of the courts and
some delays — the petition was granted, and the court appointed as
commissioners to determine the boundaries of the new county, Zecha-
riah Spitler, David Creek and John Darroch. In the spring of i860,
Governor Willard appointed three commissioners to lay off the
county seat, which was located about one mile east of Kentland — so
said. In the spring of i860 the Governor appointed Thomas R.
Barker organizing sheriff, who called an election to be held on the
nth day of April to fill the county offices. The following were New-
ton County's first officials : Zechariah Spitler, clerk ; Samuel Mc-
Cullough, Treasurer ; Alexander Sharp, auditor ; John Ade, recorder ;
Elijah Shriver, sheriff; T. R. Barker, William Russell and Michael
Coffelt, commissioners."
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 171
No Indian History
As a county, Newton has really no Indian history which can be
depicted in distinct lines ; for when the first whites commenced to
arrive in the early '30s the one Pottawattamie village which is said
to have existed a few miles north of what is now Morocco had been
long abandoned. Corn fields were still found in a number of places,
but what few Indians roamed through its marshes or along its
streams to hunt and fish did not stay even long enough to reculti-
vate them for a season ; for, like poor Jo in Dickens' London streets,
they were bidden by the white men, in no uncertain tones, to "move
on."
Fatal Affray Between Two Indian Chiefs
It was not far from the site of the Pottawattamie village — to be
exact, on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section
30, known in later, but still early times, as Silas Johnson's Grove, or
Turkey Foot Grove — that a feud between two Indian bands was
fought out by their chiefs, and both the principals in the bloody fight
were knived to death. The story, which has descended from Thomas
Barker, the pioneer who was a youth of sixteen at the time of the
occurrence, is told by D. A. Protsman, who purchased Turkey Foot
Grove (named after one of the Indian chiefs who was killed) about
seventeen years ago. He received the narrative direct from Mr.
Barker's son, S. C. Barker; also from a son of Joseph Dunn.
Although the seniors, Barker and Dunn, were not witnesses to the
fight, they were in the neighborhood hunting at the time, discovered
the bodies of the chiefs after they had been prepared for burial by
the Indians, and obtained the facts of the fatal affray from those
who had witnessed it.
The story, as told by Mr. Protsman, is substantially as follows :
In November, 1829, Turkey Foot and Bull, chiefs of two tribes who
had had some disagreement, appointed a meeting at the locality
named in an endeavor to arrange their differences without a resort
to hostilities. Each was accompanied by about twenty-five of his
followers, but, as it was discovered that some of them were armed,
the leaders agreed to have their sons-in-law collect and hide all the
weapons brought to what was planned to be a council of peace. The
collectors hid the weapons in the neighboring marshes — all except
two knives, one of which was retained by each son-in-law unknown
to the other. They then returned to the parley to await the outcome.
172 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
The chiefs finally got into a dispute, which ended in such a fierce fight
that they rolled on the ground like wild animals. As the climax,
Bull had Turkey Foot under him and was chewing off his nose,
when the son-in-law of the under chief stabbed Bull to death. Then
the son-in-law of the dead chief plunged his knife into Turkey Foot,
killing him instantly.
The feud being thus settled, the Indians roped the two chiefs in
their blankets, leaving their faces bare, laid them side by side on the
ground, and built a pen of poles around their bodies to protect
them from wild beasts.
A few days afterward, Messrs. Barker and Dunn, young men
hunting in the neighborhood, discovered the bodies of the dead
chiefs in their pen. About six weeks later they returned and found
them still undisturbed, although the faces had become somewhat
dried and "mummyfied." The hunters were standing at one side of
the inclosure looking at the corpses, when one of the bodies com-
menced to move up and down. They were certainly awed and
startled until they discovered that there was a hole under the pen
into which one of the hunting dogs had squeezed itself and from
which it was in a good position to gnaw and pull at the blanket of
the dead chief.
Afterward the bodies of Bull and Turkey Foot were burned.
The bones came into possession of Dr. C. E. Triplett, when he
located at Morocco, and were subsequently burned in the fire which
destroyed his residence.
The Period of Lawlessness
In its early history, Jasper County bore an unsavory reputation.
The impenetrable character of the swamp lands along the Kankakee
River afforded a safe retreat for a class of criminals who were
early known as the "Bandits of the Prairie," and while their depre-
dations were not committed so much upon the people here, they
made this region a resort to evade the pursuit from other quarters,
and gained for the county the reputation of being a community of
thieves. This class infested the Northwest as early as 1837, and
while they scrupled at the commission of no form of crime, they
were especially annoying in their principal business of horse-stealing
and counterfeiting. Their plan of operation was to take the lighter
horses of Illinois to Indiana and sell them, making their return trip
with heavy draft horses which were disposed of in Iowa and Mich-
igan. For a time these depredations were carried on with impunity.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 173
The population, scattered at considerable distances apart, was prin-
cipally confined to the edge of the timber, leaving the prairie a
broad highway for these bandits to pass from one end of the
country to the other undiscovered. The early settlers did not submit
to this state of affairs without some effort to bring these persons to
justice and to recover their property, but singly the pioneers proved
poor trappers of this game. The bandits were known to be desperate
characters, adepts in the use of weapons, and in traveling the open
prairie, and it often happened that when a party got close upon the
thieves, discretion seemed the better part of valor, and the chase
was given up. Their success emboldened these robbers, and the
early land and stock buyers learned to seldom travel alone, and
never unarmed.
A good horse caused many persons to be waylaid and killed, and
a large amount of money in the possession of an unprotected person,
almost inevitably brought him into trouble. Burglary soon followed
success on the road. Farmers became more cautious and evaded
these footpads. In this case the cabin was entered, and the money
taken, while the family was kept discreetly quiet by a threatening
pistol. The open-handed hospitality of a new country made the
settlers an easy prey to those who lacked even the traditional respect
of the Beduoin freebooter. It was impossible to discriminate be-
tween the worthy stranger and the bandit, and the stranger taken in
was more likely to prove a robber than an angel in disguise. Civil
authority seemed hopelessly incapable of remedying the evil. Occa-
sionally a desperado would be apprehended. Legal quibbles would
follow and the rascals get free, or justice would be delayed until a
jail-delivery would set him loose to prey upon the public again.
This occurred with such monotonous regularity and unvarying suc-
cess, that the scattered pioneers began to lose confidence in each
other, and anarchy seemed about to be ushered in.
Counterfeiting was an evil which was carried on to a considerable
extent within the limits of this county, and caused a great deal of
indignation among the honest settlers here. The two classes of out-
laws were united and had their sympathizers everywhere among the
early settlers. Indeed, the latter class became so bold in their
operations as to take little pains to conceal their work, and so
skilled as to deceive the officials of the land office. It is said that a
neighbor came upon a blacksmith of this county one rainy day, and
found him busily engaged in coining bogus money. He made no
attempt to conceal his dies, but said, in a matter-of-fact way, that
he had just finished making enough to enter another quarter section
174 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
of land, and proposed to stop the business. This he did, destroying
his dies and showing them to his neighbor, but he secured the land,
and no official scrutiny was ever directed toward his manner of
getting his property. This was not an isolated case, and both men
were respected as men of high social character and probity, but the
theory seemed to exist that so long as the evil was not directed
against the home community, it was not a venial crime.
Such looseness in the public morals, however, had its inevitable
reaction, and the reputation and peace of the community began to
suffer. Horse-thieving, petty larceny of all kinds, malicious destruc-
tion of property, murderous assaults and counterfeit money became
prevalent right here, and finally aroused the people to the necessity
of a determined prosecution of these offenses. Accordingly, in
February, 1858, a company was organized in this county under "an
act authorizing the formation of companies for the detection and
apprehension of horse-thieves and other felons, and defining their
powers." It was composed of two men from each township under
the direction of a captain, and each man was constituted a detective
to arrest or cause the arrest of any suspicious character. The effect
of this company's work was prompt and salutary. Before the or-
ganization was two weeks old, it secured the apprehension of a noted
horse-thief, and a week later had him safely incarcerated in the
penetentiary under sentence of a five years' term. The honest resi-
dents of the county cordially aided the company, which in a year or
two rid the country of the gang which infested the county. On one
occasion, a new wagon of a settler was found mutilated and essen-
tially ruined. Suspicion pointed to a man and his four sons, one of
whom was apprehended and examined. Nothing could be elicited,
and it was determined to try more forcible means. A rope was
procured and the victim pulled up to a tree in the courthouse yard.
After suspending him as long as they dared, he was lowered. But
he still remained firm in his denial of any knowledge of the affair.
He was again strung up and would probably have died had not one
of the Rangers cut him down. Once brought to his senses, he "gave
the whole gang away." This organization subsequently got upon
the track of the counterfeiters' organization, found and destroyed
dies of these operators in Union Township, McClellan, Bogus Island,
and west of these places. These places were evidently the work-
shops of the gang, and contained guns, saddles and bridles, counter-
feit coin, dies, provisions, etc. There was no serious encounter,
though armed men appeared to dispute the party's advance. Finding
a determined show of force would not turn the Rangers from their
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 175
course, they made a hurried retreat. With the growth of settle-
ments and the drainage of these swamp lands, this species of out-
lawry has long since ceased, and Jasper County bears a reputation
for a law-abiding, thrifty population second to none in the state.
Its courts have had no cases of remarkable importance, save perhaps
the action of the county commissioners against a treasurer of the
county, and the controversy in relation to the formation of Newton
County. These were both settled in the Supreme Court.
Early Adventurers
During the period of wandering Pottawattamies, trappers, squat-
ters and criminals, there is little definite information to be gathered
regarding old Newton County. Immigration of the desirables and
their settlement, with the avowed object of founding homes and
planting families, were directed to Rensselaer, the county seat, and
the more promising localities farther to the east. The development
of the western part of Jasper County up to about 1854 was almost
at a stand-still. Yet those who ventured, and their work, are
entitled to record and praise ; an inkling of which has already been
given in the words of John Darroch, the father of Judge William
Darroch.
The Kenoyer Settlement
Josiah Dunn and John Elliott are known to have been in the
county, on the Iroquois, as early as 1832; among the very oldest
settlers was an old man, Joseph Redding, who came from Ohio, and
settled near the Iroquois River, in the western part of the county.
He subsequently moved further west. About the close of the year
1832, the Brook settlement was formed by James W. Lacy, G. W.
Spitler, Squire Lyons, T. R. Barker and Samuel Benjamin. The
latter first settled on the river in the western part of the county, but
left on the breaking-out of the Black Hawk disturbance, returning,
however, and settling on the eastern side of the county. About this
time came James Cuppy, Jacob Troup, John Meyers, Reece Dunn
and Matthias Redding.
About 1836, Jacob Kenoyer came from Southeastern Indiana, to
near Spitler's Creek, and about 1845 erected the first sawmill and
corncracker in the county. It was run by a dam thrown across
Spitler's Creek, and stood near the brick residence erected by
Zechariah Spitler and now owned by George W. Spitler, his son.
176 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Samuel and Frederick Kenoyer came in soon afterward, and Amos
Clark and Charles Anderson. These families formed the nucleus
for the entire settlement which gathered in the middle-western part
of the county. This colony was further reinforced at an early date
by Amos White, Michael Haney and Philip Earl.
First Postoffice at Brook
The Brook settlement was the first collection of houses and
people to take on the semblance of a village in what is now Newton
County, and on August 23, 1837, the fact of its growing importance
was recognized by the Government in the establishment there of a
postoffice, with the appointment of George W. Spitler as master
of it. As it was seventeen years before another postoffice was estab-
lished in Newton County, the Brook concern had nearly a generation
the start of the other settlements. Mr. Spitler served as its post-
master from August, 1837, to April, 1840, and Samuel H. Benjamin
from that time until August, 1853.
John* Murphy Founds Morocco
In the following year this monopoly of postal conveniences was
broken by the opening of a postoffice at Morocco. John Murphy
had laid out that place as a regular town — the first to be platted in
the county — on the 28th of January, 1851. In 1838, Mr. Murphy
came to this region and settled north of the Kenoyer settlement on
Beaver Creek. He was a native of Virginia and moved to Ohio
in 1808. In 1825, he removed to Indiana, choosing a site on the
Tippecanoe River, opposite the site of the City of Lafayette, which
was then a wilderness. In 1838, he came to the territory which is
now Newton County. At that time, there were but about twelve
families in the county, among whom were those of Bridgeman,
Cuppy. Smith and himself in the edge of the Beaver timber, while
on the Iroquois there were but a few families — John Lyons, Job
Hunt, Frederick Kenoyer, John Myers, and a few others. The rest
of the county was an unbroken solitude.
The first time he went to Chicago was in June, 1822, when he
assisted in driving cattle from Ohio to Green Bay, for the United
States garrison located there. It took two months and two days to
make the trip. From Piqua, Ohio, to Green Bay was an unbroken
wilderness, except a small settlement at Fort Wayne and the garri-
son at Chicago. Just after the Town of Lafayette was laid out,
JASPER AND XEWTOX COUNTIES 177
Taylor and Linton opened a store, and Mr. Murphy engaged to
take an ox team and find a road to Chicago for them, by which
goods could be brought at less expense than to haul them from the
east. In company with two other teams, he proceeded through
Parish Grove, to Bunkum, Illinois, and thence to West French trad-
ing post about a mile up the Iroquois River, on the north side. From
this point, he had to make his own road, there being no trace to
Chicago. The latter place had increased since his first visit to some
twenty-five dwellings, but land was still very cheap. Mr. Murphy
was offered lots, near where the Tribune Building stands, at $10
each, the payment to be made in potatoes or oats at 50 cents per
Mr. axd Mrs. John Ade
bushel. Murphy was subsequently joined on the Beaver Creek by
James Elijah, John Darroch, David Kessler, Daniel Deardurff,
Benjamin Roadruck, Silas Johnson and others.
Johx Ade Locates There
Two years afterward, and a few months before the postoffice
was established at Brook, John Ade came on from Cheviot, the
Cincinnati suburb, where he had been a toll keeper and a farmer,
to take charge of a branch store opened at Morocco by Ayres &
Company, of Bunkum, Illinois. They were old friends of his and
naturally had confidence in his ability to make the enterprise pay.
Bunkum, which was in reality the popular name for two towns on
either side of the Iroquois River just over the Illinois line, was then
the center of a large country trade. It had four large general stores,
the. bulk of the business being controlled by Ayres & Company.
178 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Mr. Ade remained there for six weeks with his wife and baby,
obviously for the purpose of familiarizing himself with the business,
and on April 25, 1853, arrived at Morocco.
Morocco and the Neighborhood in 1853
In 191 1, when he was eighty-three years old, Mr. Ade wrote as
follows of his recollections of Morocco and vicinity, as he found
the country in 1853 : "At that time the town was about two years
old and had some six or seven houses. On the road from Bunkum
to Morocco, after passing the Dunning farm, about half a mile
from Bunkum, until we reached the Robert Archibald farm, a dis-
tance of ten miles, all was open prairie, with the exception of an
improvement just commenced by William Plummer, which was
about half way between these two points. Of those living in Morocco
at that time, David Pulver and A. W. Bebout are the only ones left
among the living. Mrs. Pulver passed away since I began writing
these recollections.
"At that time Morocco was the only town in the territory now
comprising Newton county. The nearest postoffice was Bunkum on
the west, twelve miles, and Rensselaer on the east, eighteen miles.
There was a postoffice at the residence of Amos Clark, called White's
Grove, established September 27, 1853. This house stood about a
half mile southeast of what is now known as the Pleasant Grove
meeting house, near the Iroquois river, in Jefferson township. On
April 27, 1854, it was moved to the residence of Zechariah Spitler,
and again on June 20, 1861, to the residence of Elijah Kenoyer,
where it remained until October 15, 1861, when it was discontinued.
"There was also a postoffice called Brook, several miles farther
up the river, both supplied by mail carried on horseback once a
week. The first office was about two miles southwest of the present
town of the same name.
"The Brook postoffice was by far the oldest in the county.
Morocco had no mail connections with Brook or White's Grove.
We communicated with the outside world through Bunkum, Illinois
(the postoffice was Concord), and Rensselaer, Indiana.
"In 1854 we succeeded in getting a postoffice at Morocco on
condition that the citizens would agree to carry the mail once a week
to Rensselaer and back, also keep the postoffice for the proceeds of
the office, so that it should be no expense to the government.
"As this was the best arrangement that could be made, the condi-
tions were accepted. John Ade was appointed postmaster and David
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 179
Pulver appointed mail carrier. A few months later an office was
established in Jackson township, called Pilot Grove, and Stephen
Elliott was appointed postmaster. This condition of things existed
for some three years, when John Ade was removed for offensive
partisanship. There was no civil service in those days but, as a
prominent state politician put the case : 'The times now require that
every government official must be a firm supporter of the adminis-
tration.'
"At the time above spoken of, envelopes and postage stamps
were unknown. When a letter was written, it was folded and
fastened either with a wafer or sealing wax. The rate of postage
depended upon the distance the letter had to be carried, and the
money could be received from the sender or collected at the destina-
tion. This necessitated making out a way-bill with each package
of letters sent to the different offices, showing the amount paid and
the amount to be collected on each package. Few of our institu-
tions have shown a more decided change than the mail service."
Lands in the Goodland Region
The rich, undulating prairie in the southeastern part of the
present County of Newton did not attract attention as early as it
should, on account of the swamp lands scandal which made emigrants
cautious in their investments throughout all the region. In 1859,
after the building of the Logansport & Peoria Railroad, the land
upon which Goodland is located, with several adjoining sections on
the east, was bought, mostly by speculators, at marshal's sale, for
about $3.50 per acre. The town was not platted until about seven
years later, when permanent settlers in that section of the county
had commenced to improve their farms and develop the country as
a productive and thrifty region of grain and live stock.
Alexander J. Kent and Kentland
In the meantime Alexander J. Kent, the founder of Kentland
and one of the strongest and most honored men concerned in the
advancement of the county, had acquired thousands of acres of
lands in the southern part of the county and was throwing his weight
in favor of the districts along and south of the Iroquois River. For
nearly a quarter of a century he directed a veritable industrial cam-
paign from his home Town of Kentland, both by force of his intel-
lectual character and the warmth and nobility of his heart.
180
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Mr. Kent was born in Oneida County, New York, August 30,
181 5, and was one of the California '49-ers. In that year he
equipped John Allison, W. R. Fowler, Daniel Shaw, James Izzard
and J. B. Chesebrough with goods and furnished them transporta-
tion to Sacramento City, where they were to furnish supplies to the
miners. In 1S51 he went on himself and joined the firm of W. R.
Fowler & Company, the name of which was changed to Kent,
Fowler & Company. The firm carried on a successful wholesale
grocery business for some time. It was interrupted by a destructive
fire, but resumed on a larger scale and continued for ten years. The
partners then sold out and purchased the Anna Welsh, a vessel
Alexander J. Kent and Wife
engaged in trade between San Francisco and China. That venture
was also a financial success. On her return trip the Anna Welsh
brought to America the first Chinese colony, and after making three
trips was sold to a Chinese mandarin, its owners returning to
New York.
Soon after his arrival at the metropolis, Mr. Kent's brother,
Hon. P. M. Kent, of Indiana, called on him and induced him to
invest in wild lands in Northwestern Indiana, and in 1853 he visited
that state and invested largely. In 1855 he moved to New Albany,
Indiana, and engaged in the wholesale grocery trade, having one of
the largest establishments in the state. He frequently went to
Northwestern Indiana and each time invested in land, until his real
estate amounted to more than 25,000 acres. In 1859 ne to°k UP his
residence in what is now Newton County. About this time many
JASPER AXD XEWTOX COUNTIES 181
bought farms from him, with little prospect of paying for them,
and had Mr. Kent pressed them for payment when it was due many
who were afterward prosperous farmers would have been obliged to
surrender their lands and become poor men. But Mr. Kent seldom
refused to help deserving persons or worthy enterprises, and to the
people suffering from the drought in Kansas in 1861 his donations
were most generous. On one occasion he replied to a solicitor for
corn : "Go to my crib and take out what you think I ought to con-
tribute, as I don't know exactly how to deal out to the worthy
unfortunate sufferers." As a result, 500 bushels of corn were taken
and the keen edges of hard times were turned. At a later date, S400
worth of clothing went to Nebraska for the sufferers from grass-
hoppers as an evidence of Mr. Kent's free hand and good will. It
is said that he had from S50 to S300 invested in every church in
Washington Township.
In 1861 came the Civil war, and untold distress was the result
in thousands of households. Money was close, but Mr. Kent proved
himself to be the man for the times, doing much to relieve the
families of soldiers, and receiving the blessings of the widows and
orphans whom his generosity had placed beyond the pale of want.
On one occasion, as a company composed of his neighbors was
marching to the depot on its way to the scenes of war. Mr. Kent
came upon the scene and asked Capt. Daniel Ash to order ''open
ranks." When the order was obeyed, Mr. Kent passed through the
lines and gave each man a $5 bill. ''That came in good time," said
one of the soldiers, "for many of us were leaving home and family
without a dollar, and knew not when or where the next dollar was
to come from." It is such instances as these that endeared Mr. Kent
to all who knew him. He was always a busy man and was seldom
seen on the street except on urgent business.
Mr. Kent was twice married, the last time to Miss Rosamond C.
Chesebrough. daughter of Noyers P. and Clara (Moore) Chese-
brough, the latter a niece of Thomas Moore, the poet. The death
of Alexander J. Kent occurred May 7, 1882, his wife passing away
December 24, 1886. They had six children: Clara, the wife of
Dr. D. R. Burrell, of Canadaigua, New York; May L., who married
Dr. L. T. Desey, of Kentland ; John A., deceased; Levanche E.,
wife of J. L. Morrison, of Kentland; Carroll C, now the prominent
banker and citizen of Kentland ; and one child, who died in infancy.
Mr. Kent's parents, Carroll C. and Pheba Kent, were born on the
same day. October 17. 1777, in Connecticut. Mrs. Kent was a
daughtet of Colonel Dymock, who served in the English army.
182 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Air. Kent owned land at Oriskany, New York, on which was fought
the battle of Oriskany, under General Herkimer, during the Revolu-
tionary war. The land was afterward owned by his son, Alexander
J. He died at Whitesboro, New York, aged eighty-three years.
Mrs. Kent died August 21, 1827, aged fifty years.
The platting of the county seat by Alexander J. Kent on April
23, i860, was accomplished two days after the first meeting of the
commissioners occurred to perfect the civil organization of Newton
County; the two events mark the commencement of a well-defined
and a well-ordered epoch in its history.
CHAPTER XV
MATTERS VITAL TO THE COUNTY
Opposition to a Western County — State Supreme Court Up-
holds Newton County — The County First Publicly Recog-
nized— First Officials Elected and Sworn In — John Ade
and Family — Kentland Still the County Seat — Seat
Located Before Town Was Platted — Proposed Change to
Beaver City — Other Attempted Removals — The Old Court-
house— The New Courthouse — The Poor Farm and Asylum
—Organization of the Townships — Roster of County Offi-
cials— The County's Golden Anniversary — Increase in
Population — Population in i860, 1870 and 1880 — Popula-
tion in 1890, 1900 and 1910 — Assessed Valuation of Prop-
erty, 1916 — Other Statistics for 191 5-16 — Improved Roads
in the County — In the Days of the Trails and Stage
Routes — Projection and Building of Its Railroads.
In the year 1857 it became known that a bill had been lobbied
through the Legislature proposing to erect a new county out of
the north part of Jasper, with the county seat on the Kankakee
River. It became evident to the citizens of the western portion of
Jasper County that if they allowed the scheme to be carried out
their prospects for a new county would be forever hopeless, and
although the matter was considered to be somewhat premature,
they at once went to work and called a public meeting of the citizens
living west of the line dividing ranges 7 and 8, to be held at the
Town of Morocco, at which time it was resolved to at once proceed
to get petitions to the commissioners of Jasper County, asking to be
set off in a new county, to be called by the name of Beaver; after-
ward, but at the same meeting, on motion of Thomas R. Barker, the
name was changed from Beaver to Newton, carrying down to history
the friendship of Jasper and Newton, as related by Weems in his
"Life of Marion."
183
184 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Opposition to a Western County
The petition was signed by nearly every voter in the territory,
and in September, 1857, was presented to the commissioners of
Jasper County for their action. The petition was very naturally
opposed by the citizens of the other portion of the county, and after
about two days' skirmishing the petition was dismissed on the ground
that a part of the names were attached before the taking effect of
the law. The matter was decided on Tuesday afternoon. The same
night petitions were written out and the next day circulated, and on
Thursday morning sent to Rensselaer for presentation. The court
had adjourned the evening previous to meet the next morning at
9 o'clock, but by some means the commissioners got wind of what
was coming, and two of the commissioners never came back again
during the term. There was no remedy left but to watch the court
until the week expired and then go home and wait until the next
term.
At the December term, certain parties had prepared another peti-
tion striking off the territory along the Kankakee River into a new
county, and had filed their petition first, intending to hold that as
a preventive against any action in favor of striking off the new
County of Newton. The first day of the term all parties were on
hand ; the County of Newton was represented by Silas Johnson, John
Andrews, Zechariah Spitler, John Ade and a few others. The oppo-
sition was led by Judge Milroy and L. A. Cole, and after a short
time spent in consultation the case was continued until Thursday.
On consultation of the friends of Newton County, it was determined,
as the best line of procedure, to go into the territory asking to be set
off as a new county along the Kankakee, and if possible get signa-
tures to remonstrances against being set off as a new county. This
was so far successful that quite a large majority of all the voters
signed the remonstrances. This strategy was kept as quiet as pos-
sible, and on Thursday afternoon, when the case was called up,
the opposition had not got wind of it. Judge Milroy presented his
petition, following it by a few remarks, after which some two hours
were spent in hearing objections and arguments in favor of it, until
finally Silas Johnson, to whom had been assigned that part of the
program, stated to the court he thought there had been fatal objec-
tions to the petition presented, but that he had another argument
against it which he wished to lay before the court, at the same time
pulling out of his pocket the remonstrances duly sworn to, which
he read and then sat down. There was silence for about two min-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 185
utes, after which, with but little further discussion, the petition was
dismissed. Thereupon the petition for Newton County was called up.
This petition was presented December 7, 1857, and was opposed
by a remonstrance signed by upward of 300 voters of the middle
and eastern end of the county. The remonstrance was rejected,
however, by the commissioners, who held that those residing outside
of the territory proposed to be cut off had no voice in the matter,
and granted the prayer of the petitioners, appointing Messrs. Z.
Spitler, John Darroch and David Creek a committee to run the
boundaries of the proposed county. An appeal was taken from
this decision to the Circuit Court, which overruled the decision of
the commissioners and granted an injunction restraining them from
entering the order upon their records. An appeal thereupon was
taken to the Supreme Court by the defeated party.
State Supreme Court Upholds Newton County
In the meanwhile, the persons engaged in the legal struggle had
secured the passage of a new law by the Legislature in the session
of 1858-59, and in the following June a new petition and a new
remonstrance were brought before the commissioners, who rejected
both on the ground that the case could not be heard at the same time
in two courts, the question having been taken to the Supreme Court
on an appeal. In November, 1859, that body decided against the
Circuit Court, reversing its action, and on the 8th of the following
month the board of commissioners made the following order, which
is self-explanatory :
"Whereas, The action of this court was heretofore so restrained
by an order of the Jasper Circuit as to preclude the entry of the
following order, and
"Whereas, The Supreme Court of the State, on an appeal from
said Circuit Court reversed the action of said Circuit Court in said
case ; it is, therefore, now ordered by this court that the following
report, the entry of which was heretofore restrained by said Circuit
Court, be spread upon the order book, to-wit : To the Honorable
Board of County Commissioners of Jasper County, Indiana : We,
the undersigned committee, appointed by your honorable body at
the December term, A. D.1857, for the purpose of establishing and
laying off the boundaries of Newton County, Indiana, make the
following report : Commencing at a point on the State line between
Indiana and Illinois, at the southwest corner of Town 27 north.
Range 10 west, at the corner of Benton and Jasper Counties ; thence
186 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
east along the line of said counties of Jasper and Benton, between
Townships 26 and 27 north, to Range line between Range 7 and 8
west; thence north along said range line of 7 and 8 to the Kankakee
river, thence west along the channel of said river to State line
between Indiana and Illinois ; thence south along said line to place
of beginning; and hereby establish the above as the boundaries of
the aforesaid County of Newton, Ind. ; all which we respectfully
submit to your honors.
"David Creek, president,
Zecha Spitler,
and John Darroch, members of committee
"February 2j, 1858."
The County First Publicly Recognized
John Ade, the young Englishman, who had spent his boyhood and
youth near Cincinnati, who had become a resident of Morocco in
1853 and was living there in i860, when the county was formed
and he was elected its first recorder, has this to say of the civil birth
of Newton County: "The first public recognition of the existence
of Newton county took place at the February term of the Jasper
County Circuit Court. I had been selected to act as a juror at this
term of the court, and, on the morning of the second day of the term,
I was present with other jurors. We were told to stand up and be
sworn. I then stated to the court. Judge Charles H. Test, that before
taking the oath I wanted to make the statement that I did not think
I was qualified to act as a juror. The judge asked my reason for
making the statement, and I replied I did not think I was a resident
of Jasper county. The judge then inquired where I lived, and I
told him I lived in Morocco. He replied :
" Ts that not a part of Jasper county?'
"I said to him, T think not.'
"He then asked me to give my reasons for making such a state-
ment. I said: Tt is my understanding that the supreme court has
rendered its decision by which the western part of Jasper county,
in which the town of Morocco is situated, has been stricken off from
Jasper county, thus forming a new county.'
"The judge then asked the clerk if there was any such decision
on file in his office and if so to go and get it, which the clerk did.
After a little time spent by the judge in reading the decision of the
supreme court, he said: 'Mr. Ade, you may stand aside. And if
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 187
there are any other jurors from the part of Jasper county which
has been stricken off, they also may consider themselves discharged.'
First Officials Elected and Sworn In
"In March, i860, Thomas R. Barker was appointed by Governor
Willard as organizing sheriff for the new county, and as such organ-
izing sheriff he issued a call for the election of officers for the new
county. In accordance with said call, about the 10th of April, ic
the following persons were declared duly elected to the several
offices, as follows :
"Zechariah Spitler, clerk ; Alexander Sharp, auditor ; Samuel
McCullough, treasurer; John Ade, recorder; Adam Shideler, sur-
veyor; Elijah Shriver, sheriff; William Russell, Michael Coffelt and
Thomas R. Barker, commissioners.
"On April 21, i860, the officers elected to the several offices in
Newton county met in the town of Kent, which had been selected
as the county seat by the three commissioners appointed by Gover-
nor Ashbel P. Willard for that purpose. These commissioners
were Livingston Dunlap, Joseph Allen and Samuel H. Owen. After
performing the duties assigned them, they made their report to the
governor on March 15, i860.
"On April 21, i860, the formal proceedings were as follows:
Thomas R. Barker, organizing sheriff, then and there administered
the oath of office to William Russell and Michael Coffelt, as com-
missioners of said county. The said Thomas R. Barker then de-
clared the board of commissioners duly qualified to act as commis-
sioners of said county, and called them together for the purpose of
doing such business as might be brought before them. The said
board, being now in session, approved the bond of Zechariah Spitler
as clerk of the circuit court in and for said county. Thomas R.
Barker, as organizing sheriff, then administered the oath of office
to Zechariah Spitler and declared the office of clerk of the circuit
court duly established.
"The commissioners then approved the bond of Alexander Sharp
as auditor of said county, who received the oath of office by the
clerk of the circuit court. The said office of auditor was then
declared by said sheriff to be duly established.
"The commissioners then approved the bond of Samuel McCul-
lough as treasurer of said county ; also of John Ade as recorder of
said county ; also of Adam W. Shideler as surveyor of said county ;
also of Elijah Shriver as sheriff of said county. The clerk of the
188 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
circuit court then administered the oath to said Samuel McCullough,
John Ade, Adam W. Shideler and Elijah Shriver. The said Thomas
R. Barker then declared that the said officers being duly qualified,
the said offices were duly established for said county of Newton.
"Thomas R. Barker, having resigned the office of organizing
sheriff and his successor having qualified, then took the oath of
office as a commissioner of said Newton county.
"The commissioners then adjourned to meet the following Mon-
day morning at their first regular term, at which time the routine
business of the county was taken up."
To make the foregoing account of the civil organization com-
plete it should be added that Sheriff Barker had issued his call for
the special election to be held April 2, i860, and that there were
six voting precincts — one each in Beaver, Jackson, Iroquois and
Lake townships and two in Washington. The total number of
votes cast was 492.
John Ade and Family
When Mr. Ade was elected. recorder of the new county he moved
from Morocco to Kentland, and, at the conclusion of his four
years' term in that office was chosen county auditor. He already
had a family of five children — one born in Ohio, two in Morocco and
two in Kentland — and the sixth and most famous, George Ade, was
born in February, 1866, while the father was serving as county
auditor. The family occupied a rambling wooden house opposite
the courthouse square and George attended the village school, where
he early developed a taste for scribbling and cutting-up. It is said
that he preferred to write in his own way and chose his own sub-
jects, and that one of his first literary efforts to appear in print was
"A Basket of Potatoes," which he composed while being kept after
school to write an essay on some more dignified subject. As George
did not seem to take to farming, or banking, or the grain and land
business, after getting what he could out of Kentland he went to
Purdue University, from which he graduated in 1887. There he
met John McCutcheon, the cartoonist. After graduating from
Purdue, Ade was a reporter on the Lafayette Call for a time, after-
ward joined McCutcheon on the Chicago Record, and started the
pace as a newspaper man and playwright which has made him
famous and wealthy. He has invested his large earnings in farms
and livestock, mainly in Newton and Jasper counties, and to the
success of these ventures he has always given large credit to his
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 189
elder brother, William H., who still resides at Kentland, where he
has held public office and is prosperous and honored. George has
testified to his reliance on the good judgment and brotherly interest
of William, both in private and in public, in the latter class being
an article which the author contributed to the Country Gentleman,
several years ago, entitled "Keeping Up With Brother Bill," in which
was exposed the frantic literary rush of the writer of "The College
Widow" and other plays to coin his brains into money, in order to
appease the demands of William for profitable investments in lands,
cattle and horses. He strongly intimated that it was hard to keep
up with Brother Bill.
Kentland Still the County Seat
Newton County has had even more than the average amount of
contention over the location of its seat of justice. As the prime
contention for the necessity of striking off the new county from
Jasper was that Rensselaer was so remote from the citizens of the
western sections as to be almost inaccessible, it was expected that
the new seat of justice would be fixed at some central point. It
was originally fixed at Kentland, in the southern part of the county,
but then its only railroad town, and, although the more central
localities, represented by Morocco, Brook and Beaver City, after-
ward contended for the honor and advantage, Kentland has retained
its early advantage, despite the extension of railroad conveniences
into the more northern districts. On the other hand, the inconvenience
to taxpayers has been growing less with the later development of
the county, and the expansion of Kentland, Goodland, Brook and
Southern Newton County in general ; whereas, when the county seat
was located in i860 probably go per cent of the population of the
county was north of the Iroquois River, for some years the bulk
of the people has been confined to three of the southernmost town-
ships. The reason the central contestants made no better progress,
while they had the preponderance of population in their favor, was
that there were too many of them, and each was pulling against the
other.
Seat Located Before Town Was Platted
On the formation of the county, A. P. Willard promptly ap-
pointed Livingston Dunlap, of Marion County, John B. Winstand-
ley, of Floyd County, and Joseph Allen, of Montgomery County, to
fix upon the location. The event clearly showed that the Governor
190 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
was actuated by personal motives in the appointment of this com-
mittee and was present on the ground when the Legislative Com-
mission came to view the situation. Samuel H. Owen was subse-
quently substituted for Mr. Winstandley, and on March 15, i860,
the commissions thus constituted submitted the following report :
"To the Hon. A. P. Willard, Governor: The undersigned Com-
missioners, appointed by the Governor of the State of Indiana to
locate the county seat of the county of Newton, in said State, after
a full and faithful consideration of the subject, and view of the
various sites proposed by the inhabitants of said county of Newton,
and after having given an opportunity for the making of donations
and having duly considered the same, report that they by a majority
of said board do locate said county seat of Newton County at the
proposed and platted town of Kent, on part of Section 22, in Town-
ship 27 north, and Range 9 west, of the lands in said county ; and we
return herewith the original proposition of donations to said county
for said location, to wit: Cash, A. J. Kent, $500; subscription of
sundry persons, $245 ; one hundred and sixty acres of land, being
the southeast quarter of Section 23, Township 28 north, Range 8
west, as described in patent, 196 lots of 30 by 150 feet each, as per
proposition, court house square, 350 by 250 feet, to be selected
by the County Commissioners.
"Respectively submitted this 15th day of March, A. D. i860.
"L. Dunlap,
Joseph Allen,
Sam'l. H. Owen."
It is needless to say that this decision gave rise to the liveliest
dissatisfaction. Charges of bribery and every unworthy motive were
freely made, and the facts in the case certainly gave very good
grounds for suspicions. A little east of the point selected lay a
considerable tract of land, the title of which rested in the name of
the governor's wife; the governor, by his presence here during the
visit of the commissioners, gave color to the report that he did not
care to trust even his own henchmen out of his sight, and his own
intimate relations with Mr. Kent formed a combination of circum-
stances that might well give circulation to such charges, even among
a people less willing to believe them.
Proposed Change to Beaver City
An effort was at once made to change the location thus decided
upon, and, under the mistaken supposition that if a courthouse was
JASPER AND XEWTON COUNTIES 191
erected near the center of the county the court would decide to
remove the county seat to that point, a small town was accordingly
projected in the southeast corner of Beaver Township, a courthouse
erected, and on the 4th of September, i860, a petition was presented
to the new board of county commissioners, by John Darroch, John
Coffelt, F. W. Hamey, Andrew Hess, Silas Johnson, and James
Archibald, for the removal of the county seat, and for its re-location
at and on the south half of the northwest quarter of section 36,
township 29 north, range 9 west, averring that the petition contained
the signatures of two-thirds of the legal voters in the county and by
affidavits proving that the petitioners were legal voters of the county,
and that their signatures were genuine, and also at the same time filed
a deed for a site for county buildings, at and on the point above
named, containing 3^4 acres and upward; also, at the same time
deposited $50, as provided by the statute, to employ an architect,
etc., all of which was laid before the board by the auditor. The
building erected in Beaver Township by Messrs. Darroch, Coffet,
Ham, Hess, Johnson and Archibald was the duplicate of the court-
house at Kentland, and stood for many years as the Beaver City
Courthouse, although never the county center of justice.
Other Attempted Removals
The petition for removal was immediately met by a remonstrance
headed by A. J. Kent, and after several days the commissioners
reported that as the petition contained 342 names and the remon-
strance 202, and there were 544 legal voters in the county, the requi-
site two-thirds vote had not been obtained ; which was necessary
for the relocation of the county seat under the act of 1855.
On June 3, 1861, C. E. Triplett, Z. Spitler, E. Bridgeman, John
Lyons, Andrew Hess and others presented another petition "for
the removal and relocation of the county seat," the site designated
this time being "near the town of Brook, to-wit: On the northeast
quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 19, Township 28 north,
Range 8 west." Ten petitions, said to contain 390 signatures, a
deed conveying five acres for public buildings, a bond conveying
a tract of land not less than 160 acres for the use of the county,
a further donation of every third lot in the proposed plat of the
town, and a bond for the payment of $1,000 in lawful money, were
the inducements offered at this time. This movement was also
met by a counter movement, executed by A. J. Kent and others, but
fate seemed kind to the beleaguered minority, and a flaw in the
192 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
money-bond threw the petitioners' case out of court. The com-
missioners had previously thrown out the names of all those who
had joined the army as they were no longer legal voters in Newton
County.
At a special term of the Commissioners' Court, held May 17,
1869, James Nelson filed a petition in behalf of 685 citizens asking
that the county seat be relocated at Beaver City. He also filed a
deed for land as a courthouse site for courthouse and jail and paid
$250 to cover fees for architect and commissioners. A. J. Kent,
according to custom, filed a protest, and two days later the peti-
tioners withdrew their case, with all papers previously filed.
On the 10th of March, 1870, another "petition for the removal
and relocation of the county seat," signed by Daniel Ash and 609
others, was brought before the board of commissioners by Messrs.
Hammond & Spitler, attorneys for the petitioners. The object at
this time was to move the seat of justice to Morocco. The usual
remonstrance was filed, but the case was summarily withdrawn by
the petitioners without a hearing of the case. It afterward, trans-
pired that they had been made the victims of misplaced confidence,
some of the important papers pertaining to the case having been
stolen.
Again on December 24, 1872, John W. Da veer, John Thompson
and 952 others petitioned for the removal of the county seat to
Brook. This was opposed by a remonstrance signed by C. B. Cone,
A. J. Kent and 580 others. This remonstrance was at first excluded
for insufficiency, but was subsequently amended and filed, where-
upon the petition was summarily withdrawn.
On June 19, 1876, an attempt to remove the county seat was
made by Daniel Ash, et al., in favor of Morocco. The petitions
retained Hon. J. R. Coffroth, Hon. R. S. Dwiggins, Carmichael and
Darroch. The remonstrance, headed by J. G. Perry and Patrick
Keefe, was supported by Col. R. P. DeHart, E. O'Brien, W. H.
Martin and J. T. Saunderson. In this case the petitioners made
the fatal error of neglecting to deposit with the auditor the money
required by law to hire an architect and pay expense of assessing
damages. A tender of this money was made at the time of hear-
ing, but the board of commissioners refused to accept it, and an
appeal was taken to the Circuit Court. A change of venue was
taken to Jasper County, and subsequently to Tippecanoe County.
Here the case was finally dismissed, upon motion, on the ground
that the Commissioners' Court had original and final jurisdiction.
Thus ended the sixth attempt to wrest the county seat from
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 193
Kentland, under the law of 1855, by petition. Then came a rest
of nearly a quarter of a century, and the three efforts in the same
line made since 1876 have been made by means of special elections
held under the law of March 2, 1899, entitled "An act to relocate
the county seat of Newton county." Under its provisions such
election can be held on petition of 400 legal voters of
the county, who are required to file a bond of $3,000 to pay its
expenses. The commissioners, to whom the petition is presented,
fix the day of election, which is to be from sixty to ninety
days from the date of granting the petition. At least 65 per cent
of the vote cast is required for relocation.
Under the law of 1899, Frank Davis and others up to the legal
requirement of 400 presented a petition to the Commissioners'
Court, on the 2d of April, 1900, for the transfer of the county
seat to Morocco. The demurrer was filed by Carroll C. Kent,
Patrick Keefe, George D. Rider, W. T. McCray, H. A. Strohm and
J. V. Dodson. The election, however, was held June 19, 1900,
resulting in a vote of 1,515 for relocation and 1,415 against. Evi-
dently, the yeas failed to carry 65 per cent of the total vote.
On July 3. 1900, John B. Lyons and others to the legal number
petitioned the board of commissioners to locate the county seat at
Brook. The election, held on the 25th of September, resulted in
the casting of 1,337 votes in favor of the petition and 1,208 against it.
The ninth attempt was made in behalf of Goodland and, after all
legal requirements had been complied with, the commissioners
ordered an election to be held January 30, 1901. Carroll C. Kent,
W. H. Ade, W. T. McCray, Ephraim Sell, George D. Rider and
J. V. Dodson appealed successively to the Circuit and Supreme
courts to have the action of the commissioners set aside, but they
were sustained and an election was ordered for June 7, 1902.
At that election 1,834 votes were cast for relocation and 697
against. As stated in John Ade's history : "The commissioners met
in June, 1902, and certified that the petitioners had received more
than the 65 per cent necessary. On August 12, 1902, the commis-
sioners appointed by the governor to appraise the public buildings
at Kentland met and reported the same to be of the value of $1,000.
Said report was signed by Albert M. Burns, Anthony A. Anheir
and George W. Williams.
"Afterward, on August 27, T902, John R. Davis commenced
action in the Circuit Court to restrain the county commissioners from
letting contracts for the erection of county buildings at the town
194 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
of Goodland, and the court did, on the ist day of September, 1902,
refuse to grant the order prayed for.
"On January 29, 1903, Elmer R. Brigham commenced suit in
the Newton Circuit Court, asking that a writ of mandate be granted,
commanding the commissioners of Newton county to let a contract
for the building of a courthouse at Goodland.
"On February 4, 1903, a change of venue was taken to White
county.
"Afterward the writ of mandate was granted by the judge of
the White County Circuit Court. An appeal was taken to the
Supreme Court of the state of Indiana, which court did, at its
November term, 1903 (reported in volume 161, page 616, of the
reports of the Supreme Court), decide that the act of March 2,
1899, on which act this case was based, was unconstitutional, and
that all proceedings under it were void.
"The decision of the Supreme Court practically ended the long
struggle for the removal of the county seat from Kentland. The
projection of a new north and south railroad through Kentland, con-
necting with the northern points of the county, and the building
of a new court house, both operated to make the removal less
advisable."
The Old Courthouse
Kentland was laid out by Alexander J. Kent in April, i860; dur-
ing the month following, the Logansport & Peoria Railroad was
opened for business, and on June 18th the county commissioners
proceeded to select the site for the courthouse to be occupied by
the new set of officials who had been sworn in about two months
before. After viewing the different tracts they selected block 16
containing thirty lots. It was also ordered by the Commissioners'
Court that Reuben White be appointed agent to receive the donations
for the county seat from A. J. Kent, according to the proposition
made by him.
"This arrangement continued until 1867," says John Ade (who
was auditor at the time), "when the small building, located north
of the courthouse, was erected, containing two rooms. When first
built, it was the intention to use these rooms as jury rooms. How-
ever, objections were raised on account of their being on the ground
floor. Being abandoned for that purpose, the clerk soon after
appropriated the west room, the recorder taking the east one. The
auditor's office was then enlarged by taking in all the south side
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 195
of the courthouse on the first floor. The sheriff then took pos-
session of the room deserted by the recorder, this being the first
time he had been able to secure a separate office.
"This arrangement continued until August, 1906, when the new
and present courthouse was completed. The old building was aban-
doned after a continuous use of forty-five years and was, on Novem-
ber 5, 1906, sold to John Simmons for the sum of one hundred and
seventy dollars. The original cost of the building had been one
thousand dollars. Deducting the amount for which it sold, made
the real cost to the county only $830 for forty-five years' service, or
an annual rental of $18.50 a year. I doubt if any other county in
the state can show such an illustration of economy."
The New Courthouse
The new courthouse is a handsome structure of brick and stone,
two stories and basement in height, with large and convenient
county offices and accommodations for the judiciary, the lawyers
and the public. It was completed in 1906, at a cost of over $30,000.
At the commencement of the work, in the spring of 1905, the com-
missioners were David Hess, Elmer Skinner and James A. Whaley ;
the county council comprised James Chancellor, John R. Hershman,
Charles Hartley, George M. Herriman, R. L. Ewan, Felix Tyler
and Edward Roush. •
At the term of the Commissioners' Court, held April 3, 1905, its
members made a contract with Eric Lund, of Hammond, Indiana,
to furnish all the material and complete a courthouse on the public
square at Kentland for $26,195, according to the plans furnished by
Joseph T. Hutton, architect and superintendent of construction.
Previous to the letting of the contract to Mr. Lund, proceedings
were instituted in the Circuit Court to enjoin the commissioners and
councilmen from taking such action. In April, 1905, the case came
up for trial and went against the plaintiffs, who were ordered to
pay the costs of the trial. On appeal to the State Supreme Court,
the Newton County Circuit Court was overruled, on the ground
that the county council, in making the appropriation to build the
courthouse, had done so by motion and not by ordinance, as required
by law. During the pendency of the case, Mr. Lund had constructed
the foundation and side walls of the courthouse up to the top of
the first story, for which he had been paid $12,000, guaranteed by
an indemnifying bond signed by various citizens of Jefferson
Township.
196
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
The decision of the Supreme Court brought the work upon the
courthouse to a standstill, and the owners of the bonds which had
been issued to meet the cost of its construction brought suit to
recover their value from the county. The county council then met
and made an appropriation for the completion of the courthouse, by
ordinance instead of by motion, and in September, 1905, the com-
missioners placed upon record the report of that body authorizing
them to issue bonds and borrow $24,500 for completing and furnish-
ing the courthouse and to meet the legal expenses incurred by the
county. In the following month, the commissioners appropriated
The Newton County Courthouse
$28,500 to meet the judgment obtained by the bondholders. In
January, 1906, new bonds were issued amounting to $23,000 to
complete the courthouse, Mr. Lund's bid for his work ($18,525)
being accepted. The building was completed in August, 1906, and
all books, records and available furniture were moved from the old
to the new courthouse. The final cost of the courthouse was repre-
sented by the liquidation of the two Lund contracts, $12,000 and
$18,525, respectively.
The Poor Farm and Asylum
The poor farm of Newton County comprises about 300 acres
about four miles north of Kentland, in section 33, Washington
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 197
Township, on the northern banks of the Iroquois River. Two tracts
in other localities were bought and sold before the commissioners
made the original purchase of the present poor farm.
At the time of the location of the county seat at Kentland, A. J.
Kent donated 160 acres of land to the county, which was designed
for a poor farm, being the southeast quarter of section 23, town 28,
range 8 west. That tract was never used for the purpose indicated,
and in August, 1872, was sold to Jonathan W. Stryker.
In September, 1868, the board had bought 200 acres from Solo-
mon Warren in section 13, and also sold that farm in 1872, the
purchaser being John Sell.
On January 24, 1878, in settling with D. A. Pfrimmer, a former
treasurer, over 100 acres of the present poor farm was taken, in
part settlement of his indebtedness to the county. For some time
the county used an ordinary farm dwelling to care for its few in-
mates, but in 1891 contracted with George D. Rider to erect a large
frame building for that purpose at a cost of over $4,000. This was
burned in January, 1910, and in the following May the commis-
sioners contracted with Fred Friedline & Company to erect a brick
building for nearly $23,000, according to plans furnished by John
Bruck, architect. The cornerstone of the structure now in use was
laid by the Masonic Lodge of Kentland in August, 1910, and the
building was completed before the close of the year. At present ten
inmates are charges of the county. The farm is more than self-
supporting.
Organization of the Townships
When the first Board of Commissioners of Newton County met,
April 23, i860, there were five townships within their jurisdiction —
Beaver, Jackson, Lake, Iroquois and Washington, and the first busi-
ness which came before that body was the proposition to form
another township from that portion of Washington lying south of
the Iroquois River. The petition to that effect, which was granted,
was signed by Ralph Swigget and others, and thus Jefferson Town-
ship was created.
On June 7, i860, the commissioners ordered that Civil Township
No. 1, Iroquois Township, should consist of towns 27 and 28, range
8; No. 2, Jackson Township, of towns 29, 30, 31 and 7,2, range 8;
No. 3, Lake Township, town 31, ranges .9 and 10; No. 4, Beaver
Township, towns 29 and 30, ranges 9 and 10; No. 5, Washington
Township, town 28, ranges 9 and 10, lying on the north side of the
198 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Iroquois River; and No. 6, Jefferson Township, town 27, ranges 9
and 10, lying south of the river.
On December 2, 1862, the petition headed by Z. T. Wheaton to
set off McClellan from Beaver Township was granted, its territory
to comprise town 30, ranges 9 and 10.
Grant Township was organized December 6, 1865, by striking
from Iroquois Township all of town 27, range 8. The petitioners
were R. C. Currens, Blake Wilson, F. C. Pierce and thirty others,
and the commissioners appointed A. L. Martin to act as trustee of
the new township until regular officials should be elected.
On March 9, 1871, Philip Miller and others presented a petition
asking for the erection of a township out of the territory lying in
towns 30, 31 and fractional 32, range 8, to be called Colfax. It was
granted ; and thus Grant and Colfax, who were then in the middle
of their term as President and vice president of the United States,
were embalmed in Newton County history.
On September 2, 1872, the board of commissioners granted the
petition of M. D. Kay and fourteen others that Colfax Township
be divided, and on this petition town 31 and town 32 south of the
Kankakee River in range 8, was erected into Lincoln Township.
It was also ordered that Aaron Wilson be appointed its trustee.
The foregoing accounts for the formation of the ten townships
into which Newton County is now divided.
Roster of County Officials
Zechariah Spitler was the first clerk of the Circuit Court of
Newton County, serving from i860 to 1864. The successive in-
cumbents of that position have been as follows : E. L. Urmston,
1864-68; Nathaniel West, 1868-70; Andrew Hall, 1870-76; W. W.
Gilman, 1876-80; John G. Davis, 1880-88; W. H. Kenoyer, 1888-96;
Ira Drake, 1896-1904; Reuben Hess, 1904-10; Howard McCurry,
1910-15 (died in office) ; Charles M. Daniel, present incumbent,
appointed to succeed Mr. McCurry.
County treasurers: Samuel McCullough, 1860-64; Samuel
Bramble, 1864-68; Alexander Myers, 1868-72; Daniel A. Pfrimmer,
1872-76; John F. Johnson, 1876-80; George G. Jenkins, 1880-84;
Isaac Smart, 1884-88; Samuel Martindale, 1888-92; Alfred Jenkins,
1892-96; William H. Ade, 1896-1900; Frank Coovert, 1900-04;
Charles Spinney, 1904-09; Albert J. Schuh, 1909-14; Frank C. Rich,
in office (1916).
Recorders: John Ade, 1860-64; Jonn Peacock, 1864-72; Ezra
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 199
B. Jones, 1872-80; George M. Bridgeman, 1880-84; Elisha Parsons,
1884-87; Henry Parsons, 1887-88; John Higgins, 1888-96; Albert
M. Boyle, 1896-1901 ; W. H. Boyle, 1901-10; W. H. Burton, in
office (1916).
Auditors : Alexander Sharp, 1860-64 ; Jonn Ade, 1864-68 ; Alex-
ander Ekey, 1868-72; John S. Veatch, 1872-76; John Z. Johnston,
1876-80; Alexander Sharp, 1880-83 (died in office) ; John Z. John-
ston (by appointment and election), 1883-88; Marion C. Coover,
1888-96; Schuyler C. Jones, 1896-1905; Alonzo Purkey, 1905-09;
Elmer R. Brigham, 1909-13; S. R. Sizelove, since January 1, 1913.
Sheriffs : Elijah I. Shriver, 1860-64 ; Horace K. Warren, 1864-66 ;
Charles Frankenberger, 1866-68; Horace K. Warren, 1868-72; Wil-
liam A. Patrick (resigned), 1872-73; Jira Skinner (by appointment
and re-election), 1873-78; Hugh Parker, 1878-80; John W. S.
Ulrey, 1880-84; Samuel Martindale, 1884-88; John W. Randall,
1888-92; Lawrence Graves, 1892-96; Chester Wickwire, 1896-1900;
Jasper J. Collins, 1900 (six months) ; John A. Wildasin, 1900-04;
Henry Stoner, 1904-08; Moses C. Sawyer, 1908-12; William Dow-
ling, 1912-14; E. S. Hess, since 1914.
Surveyors: Adam W. Shideler; Barnett Hawkins, 1864-70;
Joseph Chambers, 1872-74; Milton Cook, 1874-76; Benjamin Harris,
1876-78; Otis Shepard, 1878-82; N. F. Jenkins, 1882-84; Robert
Hamilton, 1884-90; Jesse M. Lockwood, 1890-94; Barnett Hawkins,
1894-1900; Edward H. Hamilton, 1900-07; John J. Alter, 1907-09;
Greenberry G. Lowe, 1909-12; William A. Parker, 1912-14, by
appointment, John A. Bruck failing to qualify ; J. R. Deardurff , in
office since the latter year.
The County's Golden Anniversary
On the 2 1st of April, i860, Thomas R. Barker, organizing sheriff
of the new County of Newton, met the two county commissioners,
William Russell and Michael Coffelt, at the Town of Kent, which
had just been selected as the county seat, and, after administering
the oath of office to them, declared them qualified to transact any
business which should come before them. The board then approved
the bond of the clerk of the Circuit Court; the sheriff swore that
official into office, and, through the official acts of the commissioners,
the clerk of the court and the sheriff, as has already been described
in detail, the complete civil machinery of the new county was set in
motion on that day (April 21, i860).
Fifty years afterward, the event was commemorated by a public
200 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
celebration at Kentland, which had maintained its position as the
county seat ; but, with one exception, all of the officials who had thus
been present at the civil birth of Newton County had been called
away to a state of being where politics are presumably unknown.
The exception was the venerable John Ade, the first recorder and
auditor of the county, and to him the author is also indebted for the
following account of the celebration: "Thursday, April 21, 1910,
was a great day for Kentland and Newton County, for on that day
was celebrated the golden anniversary of the organization of Newton
County. About a week previous to that time a public meeting had
been called by the citizens for the purpose of making arrangements
to celebrate the event. Committees were appointed to make the
necessary arrangements, and well did the several committees per-
form their respective duties. The day opened beautifully, so far as
weather was concerned. This was the more remarkable from the
fact that it was the only fine day we had for a long time, both be-
fore and after this date. There was nothing doing in the afternoon,
except the meeting of old friends and acquaintances, the talking over
of old-time incidents and the comparing of conditions existing fifty
years before with those of the present day.
"The afternoon program began with an automobile parade of
school children, each waving an American flag. There were about
forty autos in the parade, conveying not less than 350 school chil-
dren. All were singing songs and waving flags, showing that they
were happy, and all who witnessed this unusual parade were happy
with them. This parade was followed by a meeting in the court-
house, the courtroom being filled to the last inch, and scarcely one-
third of those desiring admittance could get in.
"John Ade, the only surviving member of the roster of county
officials, who were installed fifty years before, on April 21, i860,
called the meeting to order. He was immediately presented, by
Sherman White, of Brook, with a gavel made from a part of the
chinking between the logs of the building in which the first term of
court was held, after the organization of Jasper county, in 1838.
The venerable C. McCain then offered up a prayer of thankfulness
to the Author of all good for the many blessings enjoyed and asked
that the same might long be continued to us.
"This was followed by a short talk by the presiding officer.
William Darroch then reviewed the history of the courts of the
county. He embellished his narrative with some good stories and
also gave a history of some of the noted trials in the county. Fred
H. Longwell then made a most interesting address, after which the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 201
meeting adjourned to the courthouse yard. Here the crowd was
treated to a very fine display of Japanese day fireworks, something
entirely new to many and a source of great pleasure to all. Then
came a game of soft baseball between the business men of Brook
and Kentland, followed by more fireworks and adjournment until
7:30 P. M.
"At the night meeting, held in the courthouse, the presiding
officer read letters from Judge S. P. Thompson, Judge Peter H.
Ward, John B. Conner, J. C. Martin and Daniel Dearduff. He then
introduced Judge U. Z. Wiley, of Indianapolis, formerly judge of
Newton circuit court. Judge Wiley is a pleasing speaker upon any
occasion, but especially so when the line of talk is reminiscent.
"Judge Edwin P. Hammond was then introduced by the chair,
and in his quiet, dignified manner, talked for nearly an hour. His
association with Newton county, he stated, extended back to the days
of the famous Bank of America, at Morocco, in the early fifties.
Judge Hammond is a grand old man and Newton county is proud of
the claim she has upon him."
Increase in Population
Although the population of Newton County has steadily in-
creased since its first census was taken in i860, the most noteworthy
growth has been in the southern portion, which contains the in-
corporated towns, the best railway facilities and the most improved
highways. The most marked increase is exhibited by Iroquois
Township, which is largely attributable to the expansion of the
Town of Brook. Jefferson Township, including Kentland, and Grant
Township, including Goodland, have also increased in population
within the past twenty years, although not so rapidly as Iroquois.
These three southern townships now contain nearly 60 per cent of
the population of the county. The cause of this is largely due to the
fact that, with drainage and scientific farming, the productive area
of the lands has been increased, while the number of required
cultivators has been lessened ; many of the older residents have
moved to the towns, where they have invested their capital or gone
into business, with the result that the centers of population have
expanded at the expense of the country districts.
Population, i860, 1870, 1880
Keeping in mind the years when the different townships were
organized, the following tabular statement of the county's population
by townships will be understood :
202 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Townships i860
Beaver 501
Jackson 412
Iroquois 434
Jefferson 304
Lake 173
Washington 536
Grant
McClellan
Colfax
Lincoln
1870
1880
637
898
766
795
619
818
1,606
1,964
378
593
983
1,105
699
1,508
141
155
150
181
Totals 2,360 5,829 8,167
The first census of the towns taken by the national enumerators
was as follows : Kentland, 1870, 802 ; Goodland, 1880, 620 ; Morocco,
1890, 397; Brook, 1900, 677; Mt. Ayr, 1910, 231.
Population, 1890, 1900, 191 o
The Federal census for the years 1890, 1900 and 1910, by town-
ships and towns, presents the following figures :
1910
Newton County 10,504
Beaver Township, including Morocco Town. . 1,524
Morocco Town 927
Colfax Township 297
Grant Township, including Goodland Town. . 1,762
Goodland Town 1,105
Ward 1 465
Ward 2 228
Ward 3 412
Iroquois Township, including Brook Town.. 1,828
Brook Town 1,067
Jackson Township, including Mount Ayrtown 834
Mount Ayr 231
Jefferson Township, including Kentland Town 1,954
Kentland Town 1,209
Lake Township 489
Lincoln Township 701
McClellan Township 227
Washington Township 888
1900
1890
10,448
8,803
1,600
1,052
920
397
271
128
1,716
1,624
1,205
889
1,590
1,003
677
913
947
1,816
1,875
1,006
918
489
462
760
5i8
299
178
994
1,016
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 203
Assessed Valuation of Property, 1916
While in the field of statistics, it may be as well to close the
topic with the last figures gleaned from the assessors' reports in the
spring of 1916. From them the following facts appear, showing the
value of taxables in Newton County and the amount of taxes raised
from them:
\
Townships and Total Value of
Towns Real Estate
ralue of Persona
and Corporation
Property
Net Value of Tax
ables
(Mortgage exemp-
tions deducted)
Total Taxes
Iroquois Twp. .
$1,195,830
$ 244,940
$ 1,508,353
$ 29,550.98
Jackson Twp. . .
767,270
177,660
968,880
25,57I-92
Lake Twp
390,910
8l,660
629,213
16,880.41
Beaver Twp. . .
791,270
168,230
1,167.943
2T,o6l.39
Washington Twp
. 1,248,850
298,470
1,745,868
37,625.92
Jefferson Twp. .
1,667,330
26l,28o
2,248,744
42,761.91
McClellan Twp.
414,040
37,980
631,551
14,979.88
Grant Twp
1,251,920
207,780
1,592,179
32,756.19
Colfax Twp. . . .
314,820
95,290 ,
430,234
II445.4I
Lincoln Twp. . .
445.940
135,740
800,566
24,740.74
Kentland Town.
395,020
353,720
785,370
28,536.10
Goodland Town
277,350
287,910
584,879
25,093-33
Morocco Town.
240,080
197,760
433.651
17-395-99
Brook Town. . .
306,630
272,570
576,222
18,901.57
Mt. Ayr Town.
28,250
49,580
79,6o6
2,667.88
Totals
$9,735.5io
$2,870,570
$14,183,259
$349,969.62
Other Statistics for 191 5-16
The last report of the county auditor conveys a variety of inter-
esting information. It indicates that on January 1, 1916, there was
a balance of over $109,000 in the treasury, and that during the pre-
ceding year $548,638 had been received from all sources and
$439,142 disbursed. For the support and development of the public
school system over $124,000 had been received from the various
funds and $123,000 expended ; the receipts to be applied to macadam
and gravel roads amounted to $169,000, of which $154,000 was
expended. Over $36,000 was expended on the item of ditch con-
struction and bonds. The most important ditches under construc-
tion are the Templeton and Salisbury.
204 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Improved Roads in the County
It appears that the townships which were most enterprising in
the issuing of bonds for the extension of good roads were Jefferson,
Washington, Iroquois and Grant, in the order named, and that the
greatest expenditures were upon the Kessler, Simons, Donohue Sil-
vers, Mulligan and Rainford roads. The good roads movement
commenced in Newton County about fifteen years ago and, although
there are now nearly 400 miles of substantial macadam and gravel
highways within its limits, there are still large tracts in the northern
and central portions of the county in which such improvements are
badly needed. But decided progress has been made, and more is
to come.
In 1910, according to John Ade, the number of miles of good,
finished stone roads in Newton County, was as follows : Jefferson
Township, 36; Grant, 33; Iroquois, 28; Beaver, 23; Lincoln, 14;
Lake, 8; McClellan, 8. Total, 150. Since that year great improve-
ments have been made both in the quality of the roadbeds and the
extent of the highways. Yet Mr. Ade cannot forbear to revert to
the good old prairie roads, thus : "The old prairie roads in the fall
of the year were, however, the model roads, and we will never have
anything again to equal them for easy traveling. There was a
yielding of the sod, so that a horse would not tire as he does on a
hard road. Horses brought here in a lame condition, or with tender
feet, would get entirely sound again in time." Of course, the all-
around object of the good roads movement is to have the highways
in such shape that they will be in good condition at all seasons of
the year.
In the Days of the Trails and Stage Routes
The tendency in the early period of the settlement of Newton
County was to conform to the main routes of the Indian trails,
which either closely followed the Valley of the Iroquois in Newton
County eastward toward the Grand Prairie, especially the Blue
Grass Village, and thence on to LaPorte, or to strike off boldly on
a tangent toward Lake Michigan and the Chicago District, via the
Morocco Region. The first lines of land travel followed by the
pioneers were along these trails until they became sure enough of
their surroundings to locate lines independent of them. An early
if not the first road through Newton County was from Buncum,
Illinois, to Rensselaer. Another was from Morocco to Rensselaer;
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 205
a third was one direct to Lafayette, and another to Momence, Illi-
nois, and thence on to Chicago. A mail route was early established
between Logansport, Rensselaer and Buncum, Illinois, with an office
at White Post, the residence of Zachariah Spitler. This was main-
tained between the two latter places until 1864. In the fall of 1854,
as stated, a postoffice was established at the Town of Morocco, and
a mail route allowed from there to Rensselaer on condition that it
was to be sustained entirely by the citizens along the route. At the
same time, or shortly after, a postoffice was established at Pilot
Grove. This state of things existed until about 1859, when the
Government adopted the route and placed it under the same rules
and provisions governing other mail routes.
These lines of communication served the demand of the early
community until the thicker settlements and the conflicting claims of
the various farm owners demanded a more complete system of roads,
when the numerous local trails from one neighbor to another were
made to give way to regularly established highways. The marshy
character of the streams and the unfortunate character of the gen-
eral conformation of the land have made roads and bridges an im-
portant and difficult subject. The character of the streams has
changed from the rather sluggish current and pretty constant stage
of water to a rapid rise and fall of water. This change, with the
unfavorable character of the banks, has made bridging expensive,
and a spirit of short-sighted economy has kept public improvements
in this particular in a rather backward state. Three iron bridges
have been constructed at a cost of upward of $20,000 ; four wooden
bridges made up the seven which spanned the waterways of the
county; but all of these latter structures were swept away by the
high water of the winter of 1882-83 and were replaced by more sub-
stantial structures. Lafayette was the point at which the early mer-
chants got their goods, and these were brought on wagons over the
forty odd miles of tedious road that intervened.
"Prior to the year 1853," says John Ade, "at which time the
railroad between Indianapolis and Lafayette was completed, and the
Illinois Central began to run trains between Chicago and Kankakee,
there would be in the fall of each year an immense amount of travel
on the roads between Lafayette and Chicago, mostly farmers' teams
hauling wheat to Chicago or coming back loaded with salt and
groceries of all kinds, either for their own use or for the merchants
who had purchased stocks of goods east and shipped the same to
Chicago by way of the lakes. To accommodate this travel, camping
places and in several instances 'taverns,' as they were then called, had
206 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
been established a few miles apart all the way between Lafayette
and Chicago.
"After leaving Lafayette the first would be Oxford, at that time
the county seat of Benton county. Parish Grove was the next point ;
then Sumner's Grove, between Mud Pine and Sugar Creek; then
Bunkum, at which point there were two taverns, one on each side of
the Iroquois river. The next was the Buck Horn tavern, located
near where the present town of Donovan, Illinois, stands. This was
kept for many years by the father of John Donovan, the latter now
living at Watseka, Illinois, and one of its most prominent citizens.
The next tavern was at the crossing of Beaver Creek, and the next
was known as the Big Spring, about half way between Beaver Creek
and Momence. Then, on to Momence, at the crossing of the Kanka-
kee river. The next general stopping place was called Yellow Head
Point, said to be named after an Indian who lived there, by the
name of Yellow Head. The next point on the road was Blue Island,
and then came Chicago, a distance of about one hundred and thirty
miles from Lafayette and taking six to eight days to make the trip.
"I think it was in February, 1858, that John Darroch, John Smart,
Daniel Ash, Elias Atkinson, myself, and possibly one or two others,
each with a wagon loaded with twenty-five or thirty bushels of
shelled corn in sacks, started from Morocco for Kankakee to dispose
of the grain and bring back merchandise. The roads had been frozen
enough to bear up our loads, but the weather had turned warm and
the roads thawed quite rapidly during the day. When we reached
the Kankakee river at Aroma (now Waldron) we could not cross
below the dam. Above the dam the river was frozen over, but it was
doubtful if the ice would bear up the team and load together. So
we led the teams over and pulled the loads across by hand, and
arrived at Kankakee some time after dark, putting up there for the
night.
"The next morning we disposed of our corn at twenty-four cents
per bushel, laid in our supplies, and in the afternoon started for home.
Owing to the fact that the warm weather had continued and it was
considered unsafe to cross the Kankakee on the ice, we returned by
way of Momence, where there was a bridge across the river. We
spent our second night there. The next morning after breakfast we
struck out for home. Elias Atkinson, however, had got up early and
started out a couple of hours ahead of the rest of us. We had made
but a few miles, however, when we caught up with him. He had
started across a slough and had stopped on a big cake of ice — was
afraid to go ahead and could not turn around to come back. So
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 207
there he stood, waiting for the rest of the company to come up and
relieve him, which we did, and he remained with the crowd the rest
of the day.
"We stopped to feed and eat our mid-day meal at what was known
then as the outlet of Beaver Lake. In a wet time, Beaver Lake
would overflow and the water run down through the willow prairie,
emptying into Beaver Creek near the state line.
"After dinner (I cannot say just what it consisted of, but I have it
stored away in my memory as one of the best meals I had tasted
for a long time) we started for home, reaching there about night
of the third day. At that time it was not thought the trip was any-
thing strange or remarkable, but it is a fair illustration of the con-
ditions under which this county began its history."
Projection and Building of Its Railroads
The first railroad projects which interested the people of New-
ton County proposed to build lines toward Rock Island and Chicago,
Illinois, north instead of south of the Iroquois River. In 1854 a
line was projected from New London, Ohio, to Chicago, but it was
killed by the hard times of 1857. The air line from Fort Wayne to
Rock Island met with the same fate from the same cause. Rensse-
laer and Kankakee were competitors for the junction, the line to
pass through Newton County, and considerable grading was actually
done in Jackson and Beaver townships. As projected, the air line
was to pass about three miles north of Morocco, but not only did
the general hard times of 1857 descend upon the scheme, but the
defalcation of the Ohio state treasurer, whose bond had been signed
by some of the men most prominent in the railroad project, was a
specially crushing blow which tended to completely blot out the pro-
posed air line.
The Logansport & Peoria Railroad was built through the south-
ern part of Newton County in 1859, the first train passing over the
road on Christmas day of that year, and it was entirely opened for
business in March, i860. At that time there were few settlers along
the line from Reynolds to the state line. Kentland was not platted
until the following month. It has long been a part of the Penn-
sylvania system, and both Kentland and Goodland are stations.
What is known as the Big Four Railroad, which cuts off a small
southwestern corner of the county, was built in 1871. It was a
revival of the old 1854 scheme, and was known as the Continental
208 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Railway, being mentioned more in detail in the history of Jasper
County.
The Monon Railroad cuts through Lincoln Township, in the
northeastern part of the county. It was at first a narrow-gauge,
built in 1878 as the Plymouth, Kankakee & Pacific Railroad, but a
few years afterward was changed to standard and became known as
the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad Company. Roselawn and
Thayer are stations on the road.
In 1882 was completed the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, with sta-
tions at Goodland, Foresman, Julian and Mount Ayr, and in 1888
a branch was built through Brook, Beaver City and Morocco.
The Three I's road, a part of the New York Central system, was
built through the northeastern tip of the county for less than two
miles in 1883.
The Chicago, Indiana & Southern Railroad was completed
straight through the western tier of townships in December, 1905,
and — also as part of the New York Central, running from Danville,
Illinois, to Indiana Harbor, on Lake Michigan — accommodates Kent-
land, Ade, Morocco, Enos, Conrad and Lake village. The line crosses
the center of the old bed of Beaver Lake.
CHAPTER XVI
COURTS, JUDGES AND LAWYERS
Circuit Judges Presiding in Newton County — Judges of the
Court of Common Pleas — First Term of Circuit Court —
First Term of Common Pleas Court — Albert G. Brown and
Other Pioneer Lawyers — "Reputation Is Not Character"
— Reputation of the Beaver Lake Region — The Man from
Mong — Convening of Court, an Event — A Degenerate Son
— Legal Matters Connected with Kankakee Improve-
ments— Beaver Lake Land Litigations — The Brandon
Trial — Justifiable Larceny.
By William Darroch
The Bench and Bar of Newton County, as a topic, is closely in-
volved in the history of the legal profession and the courts as related
to Jasper County. All the general lines of the judiciary, as founded
and remodeled by territorial and state laws, have been laid down in
this work, and the chapter which is now under way will be definitely
confined to a consideration of the subject in its bearings on Newton
County as organized in i860.
Circuit Judges Presiding in Newton County
Judges of the Circuit Court: Charles H. Test, 1860-70; David
P. Vinton, 1870-73 ; Edwin P. Hammond, 1873-83 ; Peter H. Ward
1883-90; Edwin P. Hammond, 1890-92; U. Z. Wiley, 1892-96; Wil-
liam Darroch, 1896, by appointment to fill term of Judge Wiley, who
resigned; Simon P. Thompson, 1897- 1902; Charles W. Hanley since
1902.
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
The judges of the Court of Common Pleas who served Newton
County until the office was abolished in 1873, were : William C. Tal-
cott, 1860-68; H. A. Gillett, 1868-73.
Vol. 1—14
209
210 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
First Term of Circuit Court
When Newton County was organized, Hon. Charles H. Test was
judge of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which composed the counties
of Benton, Jasper, Tippecanoe and White. Having jurisdiction,
therefore, over the territory of Newton County when it was estab-
lished, he had by virtue of the statute authorizing the formation of
new counties, jurisdiction to hold court in such new county at such
times as he should appoint, and accordingly a term of said court was
called to convene on Monday, August 27, i860. Notice thereof was
given by the clerk, by publication of the court's order, in the Rens-
selaer Gazette, a newspaper of general circulation printed and pub-
lished in the town of Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana, being the
nearest paper to Newton County.
At this term of court occurred one of the comparatively few
trials for murder in this county — the trial of Samuel Brandon for
the killing of David Handly, an account of which appears in this
chapter, and leaves it necessary here to say only that the indict-
ment was returned and the defendant was arraigned on Wednesday,
tried and convicted on the following day, and sentenced to the peni-
tentiary for life. The case of Brandon was appealed, was affirmed,
and is reported in the Sixteenth Indiana Supreme Court reports at
the May term, 1861, so that with the eight admirable reports of
Judge Blackford, and the sixteen Supreme Court reports, it would
appear that during the first forty-five years of the existence of the
state but twenty-four Supreme Court reports were written ; whereas,
in the last fifty-five years, 160 additional Supreme Court reports have
been written, besides sixty volumes of reports of the Appellate Court
since created, have been written and published.
Two orders were entered at that first term of court of passing
interest, and read as follows : "Ordered by the Court that P. D.
Gallagher be allowed ten dollars for the rent of room to hold court
in." "Ordered by the court that H. Remington be allowed fifty-six
cents for two candlesticks and one pound of candles."
On March 11, 1861, the General Assembly of the state amended
the law for holding court in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Newton
County was included in this circuit. Three terms of court in each
year was provided for each county ; of one week each in the counties
of Benton and Newton, two weeks in the counties of White and
Jasper, and of indefinite length in Tippecanoe. Now we have four
terms each year of four weeks each.
The Common Pleas Court, since abolished, included in one dis-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 211
trict the counties of Lake, Porter, Starke, Pulaski, Jasper and New-
ton, one judge serving all the counties, Newton County having three
terms per year of one week each.
First Term of Common Pleas Court
The first term of the Common Pleas Court held in this county
convened June 10, 1861. William C. Talcott was judge, and the local
lawyers registered in the county at that time were James Bissell,
Simeon S. Powers and Albert G. Brown. Mr. Powers could not
have remained long in the practice here, as I have no recollection
of him. Mr. Bissell and Mr. Brown both enlisted in the army of
the Rebellion as volunteers from this county, and neither ever
returned here to practice law.
Albert G. Brown and Other Pioneer Lawyers
Albert G. Brown is remembered more as a school-teacher than
a lawyer. He taught our district school and was a fair sample of
the pedagogue of that day. He had a song with which to entertain
and edify his pupils, and occasionally would sing it at social gather-
ings. So much of it as I now recall ran like this :
"When Mr. A. or B. is sick,
Run for the doctor and be quick ;
The doctor comes with post and mail,
And gives him a dose of calomel.
Ta rol rol rol rol rol rol rol
Ta rol rol rol rol rol rol rol
The doctor comes with post and mail
And gives him a dose of calomel."
"The man in death begins to groan;
The fatal job for him is done.
He dies, alas 'tis sad to tell —
An over-dose of calomel.
Ta rol," etc.
Parenthetically, this was an appropriate song as a crusade against
the excessive use of calomel, because at that time we had malaria,
and chills and fever came generally with each recurring season.
Ague, commonly called "ager," was prevalent and we took as a
specific calomel followed by a dose of quinine and prussiate of iron ;
212 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the calomel, not in small pillet form with soda as prescribed now,
but in old-fashioned copious doses of brown colored powder and
of villainous flavor, and which on account of the size of the dose
was usually administered in a tablespoon. If after one course of
this treatment the patient escaped salivation or death outright, he
usually recovered as a matter of self-protection against a second like
treatment.
In addition to those already mentioned, the list of resident
attorneys who engaged in active practice here and who have since
passed away, as I now recall them, and somewhat in the chro-
nological order of their appearance, is as follows : William C. Rose,
Oliver P. Hervey, James B. Spottswood, William H. Martin, E.
Littell Urmston, James Wallace, James T. Saunderson, Edmund H.
O'Brien, William H. H. Graham, Peter H. Ward, Joseph R. Trox-
ell, John H. Ash, William Cummings and Frank A. Comparet. There
may have been, and perhaps the records do show others, but the
period of their active work was transitory.
William C. Rose was a man of excellent manner and appearance ;
of scholarly attainments and a fine sense of integrity; but unfor-
tunately passed away before reaching nearly the full measure of his
possibilities.
O. P. Hervey, in like manner, was a man of good attainments,
and promised well as a successful lawyer when claimed by death.
James B. Spottswood was of the old Virginia family of Spotts-
woods, well educated, never even a fair lawyer and soon abandoned
it for the newspaper business; but a fluent, forceful writer. It was
often remarked that many of his editorials would reflect credit on
any metropolitan paper.
William H. Martin was a son of Dr. Martin, of Rensselaer, and
was the first prosecuting attorney of local residence. He possessed
a fine legal mind ; his papers were always well prepared and rarely
rewritten. He removed from this county comparatively early in
life ; located at Greenfield in Hancock County, where soon afterwards
he was elected circuit judge, which position he filled with credit for
many years.
E. Littell Urmston was not a trial lawyer, but did mainly a com-
mercial and probate business. He was a successful business man,
always courteous and dignified in manner, careful and painstaking
in what he did, a good citizen and a safe counsellor.
James Wallace was well on in years when he located at Kentland.
He remained a resident only a few years, and is remembered only
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 213
as a kind-hearted, portly gentleman, always interested in the welfare
of others.
James T. Saunderson was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion,
located here as a lawyer soon after the war closed, and was in the
active practice in this county continuously until about the year 1896,
when he went to Oklahoma, afterwards to Everett, Washington, and
not liking the climate there returned to Fowler, Indiana, where later
he was elected circuit judge, which position he filled with dignity
and credit, and died at Fowler during the summer of 1916. Mr. Saun-
derson as a lawyer, because of his acknowledged ability, his pleasing
personality and splendid integrity, commanded a lucrative practice
while a resident of this county, and when he departed left behind
him a host of friends.
Edmund H. O'Brien was a Virginian and a captain in the army
of the Southern Confederacy, a man of unusual natural ability, most
genial personality; but, broken in health from the hardships of war,
he, too, passed away at a time when he should have begun to feel
the real possibilities of a strong mind.
William H. H. Graham was an office man, a counsellor, abstractor
and a dealer in real estate. While a resident of Newton County he
amassed a fortune, but lost it afterwards in mercantile ventures at
Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was at one time consul of the United
States at Winnipeg, a substantial man and a good friend.
Peter H. Ward, who served as circuit judge from 1883 to 1890,
was appointed by Governor A. G. Porter to succeed Hon. E. P.
Hammond, who had been elevated to the Supreme bench of the
Thirtieth Circuit. Judge Ward was a native of Columbiana County,
Ohio, born in 1835. After obtaining a higher education in several
interior establishments of Ohio, he completed a course at the Indian-
apolis Law School, from which he graduated in 1868. In that year
he was admitted to the bar, located at Kentland in 1870, and prac-
ticed in the county and before the State Supreme Court, at Indianap-
olis, until he was appointed circuit judge in 1883. He completed
Judge Hammond's term and served another by election, and made
a good record both for judicial soundness and professional considera-
tion.
Joseph R. Troxell came here late in life, and was the senior
member of the firm of Troxell, Ward & Graham. He was a lawyer
of the old school, ripe in the learning of the law.
John H. Ash was an ex-soldier and was known as Captain Ash.
He came here from Zanesville, Ohio, later migrated to Wichita,
Kansas, where he died some years ago.
214 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
William Cummings was also a soldier in the war of the Rebellion,
came from Grundy County, Illinois, located on a farm northeast of
Kentland, and later engaged in the practice of the law, in which
profession he continued with success until his demise in November,
1907. Mr. Cummings was not only a good lawyer, but a good busi-
ness man as well, and in the details of office work he was most
excellent.
Frank A. Comparet, if not born in Kentland, was educated here.
He studied law with James T. Saunderson, afterwards in partner-
ship with him, and when Mr. Saunderson left Kentland Comparet
succeeded the firm. While in the practice he enjoyed a fair clientage,
but better by far, he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who
knew him; for he was always the perfect gentleman in all that the
word implies. Of excellent mind, but frail of body, we lost him
early in life.
David L. Bishop practiced law here for some years; not par-
ticularly apt on a question of law, David was strong on facts, and
had a most happy faculty of convincing a jury that his view of the
facts was the correct one, and often won his case without any merit
of law. He went from here to the city of Anderson, Indiana, and
later to Oklahoma, in which state he now resides.
Albert Scoonover practiced here some years as a partner to Mr.
Comparet, went from here to California, where at this time he is
the United States District Attorney for the southern, or lower, dis-
trict of that state, which of itself is sufficient to say of his ability as
a lawyer and his virtues as a man.
There were and are yet other lawyers, although not residents
of this county, present in court here so frequently and their partici-
pation in legal affairs of the county so general that any history, how-
ever brief, would be incomplete which did not recall Hon. E. P.
Hammond, Hon. R. S. Dwiggins, and Hon. S. P. Thompson of
Rensselaer; Hon. E. B. Sellers, and Hon. Alfred W. Reynolds of
Monticello ; Hon. U. Z. Wiley and Daniel Frazer of Fowler.
"Reputation Is Not Character"
A circumstance in which one of these lawyers figured may be
of passing interest here and it may illustrate a .fact, establish or
dispel a delusion. In earlier times we were taught to write by fur-
nished copy ; one of these copies ran like this : "Reputation is not
character;" and in such a beautiful Spencerian style! And so we
humped over our home-made desks, with home-made ink, indifferent
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 215
pen and penholder and in most indifferent scrawl we wrote line
after line, "Reputation is not character." We may not have bene-
fited much in penmanship by that copy, but it was a splendid copy.
Reputation of the Beaver Lake Region
The Beaver Lake and Kankakee region had a widely known
reputation ; so general was this reputation and so positive ! Fifty
miles from that locality on any point of the compass, to hale from
there made each person in hearing instinctively put his hand on
his watch or pocket-book, take on a confused manner and expression
indicating that some dread calamity was about to happen. In the
fall of 1873, when on my way home after having delivered the
cattle we had grazed that season, and quite depressed because in
some instances I could not collect the herd bill, and other instances
only in part — it was the week following black Friday — I stopped
to lodge over night with a farmer in Livingston County, Illinois.
I was put upstairs to sleep, the stairway was a closed one and the
door at the bottom of it opened out. When I came down stairs
next morning I upset all the chairs in the room below. I had inad-
vertently told my host the night before that L was from Beaver
Lake and after I retired the chairs had been stacked in front of
the door. My appearance at the time may have influenced the man
some. I never knew, and I do not know now, what particular cause
contributed most to that reputation.
Was it that counterfeiters were located on Bogus Island as
early as 1839? They were not residents, and when located by resi-
dents were promptly arrested. Was it because an alleged horse
thief was shot on the banks of the Beaver Lake ditch in an effort
to escape the pursuit of men from near Milford, Illinois? The
alleged thief was unknown in the locality where he was killed. No
proof that he was a horse thief was ever reviewed in any court by
a jury, and neither was the manner of killing him enquired about.
Was it because John Shaffer lived in that territory and late in
life was shot in the back at his own home by a cowardly assassin?
No court ever convicted John Shaffer of any crime, and no person
ever connected him with any crime by credible proof or circum-
stance. He was obviously an eccentric, secretive man, of some
natural force of mind, who chose to live in the wilds and alone, and
that is the most that could be said of him with absolute verity.
Was it that in later years two or three men, absolute strangers in
the locality, brought cattle there to graze and in breach of faith
216 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
disposed of part of their herds and fled to avoid the pursuit insti-
tuted by disinterested residents who sought to have them appre-
hended and prosecuted ; or was the bad reputation from which that
region suffered long, the result of a coloring given by the men who
went there fall, winter and spring, to hunt and fish and view what
they saw and when they saw from that temporary moral lapse and
innocent spirit of vandalism so oftentimes evident? Men of all
casts and stations in life made regular trips into that country in
season, to hunt and fish, and it was always difficult to judge what
they were at home by their conduct on one of these trips. Parties
on those periodical trips, when they entered the Beaver woods,
would sometimes load their horses down with green cordwood
already cut and corded up by the owner of the land, haul it four
or five miles over sand roads to use in their campfire at places
where dry fallen timber was abundant, and much better for their
purpose and otherwise valueless. One man is recalled who was
reputed to be a class leader in church at home, who when he recov-
ered from the excess of spirits which his companions brought with
them, and which the spirit of the occasion induced him to imbibe,
implored his comrades to put him out of the way, as he was utterly
unfit to return home.
The Man From Mong
Similar incidents could be multiplied, but the simple incident in
mind may in itself be entertaining and sufficiently illustrative as
well : Dan Frazer and I were some years ago associated together
in the trial of a suit in court. The jury was called, and Mr. Frazer
ran his eye over the jury while I was examining them. When I
returned to the table he says, "That man over there with the whiskers.
We don't want him. That's the man from Mong." This was
Greek to me and I replied, "That man is all right; that is Fred
Mashino from the west side of Lake Township."
"That's the very man," said Mr. Fraser, "he is a man from
Mong, and you put him off."
I expostulated. I did not wish to lose a good juror or offend
Mr. Mashino. "Well," Dan says, "you ask him if he knows me.
Maybe he don't remember."
"Mr. Mashino, do you know my associate counsel, Mr. Frazer?"
And he replied: "I wouldn't want to say that I know him. I
sold him a pig once."
"Then I was not only astonished but confused. The mystery
was growing on me, but when I turned to Mr. Frazer, promptly he
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 217
said: "He is all right. Leave him on. He's a dead game sport,
he is."
When court adjourned for the day, all the way from the court
house to the office Mr. Frazer would mumble half to himself: "He
is the Man from Mong; haven't seen him before in fifteen years."
And when we reached the office it all came out like this : "There
was a bunch of us going up to the Kankakee to fish and hunt and
we went by Mashino's house up there in the woods. I can remember
it all just like yesterday. It looked like a good place to get some
good water and we stopped and all went in, but there was no one
at home. Coming back out to the wagon, some way one of the
boys fell down, and when he got up out of the grass there was a
nice fat hen sticking to him. Two of the other boys wanted to
stretch their legs a little, and started to walk ahead down the fence,
when presently one of them stumbled in the grass and fell down
on a pig. When we got down to the river only about three miles
ahead we skinned the pig, all but the head, cut the head off, wrapped
it in the hide and chucked it in the hollow of an old stump. In the
course of half an hour this man rode up on horseback and com-
menced inquiring about his pig, whether we had seen anything of
it, and he described every spot on that pig and even the ear marks.
I thought I was the best man in the party to handle a diplomatic
case of that character so I says : 'No sir. We have not seen your
pig, sir. Very sorry to hear it has strayed away. We will be
wandering around here some, and if we see that pig, mister, we
will report to you, sir.' .
"Now I had at that time a beautiful greyhound, and had brought
him with me, and about this time that infernal hound came walking
up to me with the head of that pig in his mouth and trailing the
hide along in the grass. Promptly I spoke up and I says, 'Mister,
what was that pig worth?'
"Oh, I knew him the moment I set eyes on him. He is the Man
from Mong all right."
What men in the disturbed and exaggerated state of mind,
as these men usually were while on these trips, might imagine and
choose to tell and elaborate on their return home, in no small degree
helped to make the reputation which the Beaver Lake region once
had, and hence the wisdom of the copy "Reputation is not Character."
Convening of Court, an Event
In the earlier times the convening of court was an event, and
many of the more prominent men of the county attended whether
218 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
they had business in court or not; some would stay a day or two
while others of them would remain during- the entire session. It
was about the only diversion from the everyday life which the
time and locality afforded. Thomas R. Barker was of the latter
class and in Jasper County, and for some years after this county
was formed, he was a regular attendant at court, though I question
if the records of either county disclose his name as a litigant. He
was a man of unusual natural powers, physical and mental, and,
although a man of no book education, was always the center of attrac-
tion in an evening group of men about the hotel lobby because of his
personal attractiveness and entertaining conversational ability. On
this account he was widely known by all the people of the two
counties and well known and admired by all the pioneer judges
and lawyers. Later he was called as a juror, and court was being
held by a young lawyer by the name of Rhodes from Lafayette,
who was acting as a special judge. The jury was empaneled in the
forenoon and the trial was under way.
When court adjourned for the noon hour A. J. Kent came by
and took Mr. Barker home with him for dinner. Naturally the
two old pioneers lingered. Court met, Mr. Barker was not in his
seat. Twenty-five minutes went by ; an attachment was issued and
placed in the hands of the sheriff who was directed to bring Mr.
Barker in to answer for a contempt. The sheriff met him on the
way to court, but was too wise to even suggest the possession of a
writ. When Mr. Barker came into court he was reprimanded for
delinquency, but at the suggestion of the clerk, previously made,
as to the dangerous impropriety of it, no fine was imposed, nor
would the clerk or sheriff accept any fees.
A Degenerate Son
At that time we had the old frame barn-like Court House located
on the east side of the square, with a wooden board walk, or cause-
way, leading to it from the west across the center of the block on a
direct line. It was obvious during the afternoon that Mr. Barker
was not in a pleasant frame of mind toward the young judge. On
the following morning Mr. Barker was standing alone on the little
portico on the west side of the Court House, when young Rhodes
observing him there walked over the long causeway to engage him
in conversation, hoping to get on pleasant terms with him, and the
following colloquy took place :
Rhodes — "Good morning, Mr. Barker."
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 219
Barker (gruffly) — "Good morning, sir."
Rhodes — "They tell me that you are a pioneer of this county."
Barker — "Yes sir, I have been here some time."
Rhodes — "I expect you used to know my father in earlier times.
He used to come out to Rensselaer to practice law."
Barker — "Quite likely I did, sir. I knew all the lawyers that
practiced law at Rensselaer."
Rhodes — "David Rhodes, did you know him?"
Barker (with emphasis) — "David Rhodes ! David Rhodes ! Are
you a son of David Rhodes ? Great God, how men do degenerate !"
Then promptly turned his back and walked away.
Legal Matters Connected with Kankakee Improvements
The straightening and deepening of the Kankakee River for
drainage purposes has for many years not only occupied the atten-
tion of the landowners affected, but the state and national govern-
ment as well. The first overt effort in that direction now recalled
was the action of the Kankakee Valley Draining Company. This
company was organized in the year 1869 as a corporation. After
its organization it proceeded to locate the main line of drainage,
and mentioned laterals and drains and all without any previous
technical information as to the practicability of such an improve-
ment. This enterprise was regarded generally by landowners likely
to be affected as a private undertaking for profit, and was unfavor-
ably regarded. On September 22, 1869, a complaint was filed in the
Newton Circuit Court by one James O'Reiley against said company.
The plaintiff was represented by James Bradley and the defendant
company was represented by Leonidas A. Cole, both of LaPorte.
On the date the complaint was filed the defendant appeared by his
attorney voluntarily and without process and filed an answer. Imme-
diately it was concluded by those locally interested that the suit
was collusive, and that the purpose of Mr. O'Reiley was not to
enjoin the assessment of his land, but was to give the defendant the
benefit of a decree of court in favor of the validity of its proceeding.
The pioneer settler and landowner was jealous of his rights, was
equally bold in asserting them in court or out of court. So on the
following day, September 23d, Algy Dean, John Darroch, Virgil
Lamb and John Jenkins asked to intervene, and were permitted to
file their joint complaint in the same proceeding and were made
parties plaintiff to said suit. The case in the Circuit Court was
determined on the pleadings, the complaint being held insufficient,
220 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
and the plaintiffs appealed. James O'Reiley was not known by
any person in this county. He never appeared personally in this
case ; nor did his attorney make more than the one appearance, and
that was at- the time of the filing of his complaint. The local land-
owners who intervened carried on the litigation thereafter.
William C. Wilson of Lafayette and the noted firm of Hendricks,
Hoard & Hendricks, of Indianapolis, were employed by the local
plaintiffs. The case on appeal is reported in the 32 Indiana Report,
commencing on page 169. The case was reversed with instructions
to the lower court to overrule the demur to the complaint and on
September 5, 1871, an order to that effect was entered by the court
below, the defendant was called and defaulted and an order entered
enjoining the Kankakee Valley Draining Company from proceeding
further in the premises. The opinion of the Supreme Court in that
case contains a learned review of the law of drainage, and the
power of the Legislature in respect to drainage, and no doubt the
information condensed in this case helped to shape the future legis-
lation of Indiana on the subject of drainage.
No further acts towards the improvement of the Kankakee are
recalled until in 1881, when the General Assembly of the State
authorized the governor to make a survey. This survey was made.
Prof. John L. Campbell, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, was chief
engineer and an elaborate report of that survey was afterwards
made and established the fact, which was theretofore generally
believed, that the removal of the rock ledge at Momence, Illinois,
was the key to the drainage of the Valley of the Kankakee.
Thereafter in 1889 and also in 1893, two separate appropriations
were made by the State, aggregating $65,000, which sum was applied
towards the removal of the rock ledge, but was not sufficient to
accomplish any practical result. Commencing in 1905, the gov-
ernment made a general survey of the Kankakee which is called
the Downey survey, N. H. Downey being the chief engineer and
agent of the government in making it.
In the meantime, however, local interests put in action various
drainage undertakings commencing at the head of the Kankakee in
St. Joseph County, the result of which straightened and to some
extent deepened the channel of the Kankakee to the east line of
Jasper County, and numerous large lateral dredge ditches were
constructed emptying into the river along the improved line. In a
proceeding brought in the Jasper Circuit Court called the Marble
Ditch, the river was by said court ordered straightened and deep-
ened from the east line of Jasper County to a point in section 1,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 221
township 31 north, range 9 west, in Newton County. The con-
tract for the construction of this work was let and it is now in
process of being constructed. The dimensions of the Marble Ditch
at its terminus and for some miles up stream is bottom width 100
feet, with side slopes of bank one to one, and the grade of the
fall of the Marble Ditch is one foot per mile. After the contract
was let for the construction of the Marble Ditch a petition was
filed in the Newton Circuit Court to straighten and deepen the
Kankakee River from the terminus of the Marble Ditch to the
west line of the state. This proceeding is known as the Williams
Ditch and is now pending. Two reports have already been made
and the second report was on August 7th, of the present year, set
aside, other commissioners appointed and ordered to make a new
report. The trial of this case commenced July 6th. During the
progress of this trial a number of expert engineers were called as
witnesses, including N. H. Downey, and on their evidence it was
developed that the area, which has a run-off at Momence through
the Kankakee River, comprises about 1,500,000 acres, and that a like
run-off through the river at the state line between the states of
Indiana and Illinois, drains from an acreage in Indiana of 1,181,-
737 acres ; and that the acreage in Lake County which has a run-off
into the Kankakee River is about 55,000; that commencing about
1903, and continuing the improvement thereafter until about 1908,
a continuous dike has been constructed commencing at the high lands
north of the river and near the east line of Lake County and extend-
ing thence southwestwardly towards the river and thence following
the north bank of the river down stream to a point about one mile
into Illinois; that this dike and the ditch caused by the construc-
tion thereof practically prevents the flood waters of the Kankakee
River from flowing onto the area protected by the dike, and within
that area in Lake County a number of large dredge ditches have been
constructed which have a common outlet into the river below the
Illinois state line ; that in this improvement including the dikes the
landowners in Lake County have expended about $300,000.
It is also shown, and so appears in the record, that the surface
elevation where the proposed Williams Ditch commences is 632.20 ;
and the elevation of the grade line is 622 ; at the railroad river
bridge at Schneider the elevation of the surface is 629.40, and the
elevation of the grade line 619.48; and at the state line the elevation
of the surface is 61^.2^ and the elevation of the grade line is 617.30.
These last two measurements show the elevation of the bottom of the
river and hence are practically the same.
222
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
It was also shown that there is a rock moraine across the river
about two miles west of the state line, the crest of which is the same
elevation as the bottom of the river at the state line.
It must be kept in mind that elevations are assumed, and com-
parative with each other, and sometimes compared with other recog-
nized elevations. The differential elevations given by one witness
were termed sea levels, and the elevations of the several points
mentioned below are elevations of these points above sea level. At
the railroad bridge at Schneider, where these elevations were taken,
The Williams Ditch Triers, August, 1916
the surface of the water was 630.94 ; the surface of the water in
the dike ditch directly north of the railroad bridge was 630.97 and
the ground elevation was 630.89 ; while at the state line the water
surface in the river was 625.26, the ground surface 626.13; the
water surface in the dike ditch immediately north 623, and the water
surface in the Singleton Ditch, the main outlet for the Lake County
drainage above mentioned crossing the state line about a mile north
of the river, was 622.68.
Eight hundred feet west of Baums Bridge on July 14, 1916, the
sea level water surface was 653.30 and the sea level ground surface
was 653.30, but at the time this elevation was taken the dredge was
working in the river about a mile and a half below the bridge, and
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 223
operated to obstruct the flow of water at the point where the meas-
urements were made.
As a logical conclusion from the testimony of all these expert
witnesses, the consensus of opinion is that effective drainage of the
Kankakee Valley above the Illinois State line can and will be accom-
plished only by the extension of the work through the Indian town,
Moraine, and the rock ledge at Momence. This in time will be done,
possibly in the Williams Ditch proceeding, and when effectively
accomplished, will redeem, for agricultural purposes, an extensive
area of land which is highly productive.
The Counterfeiters of Bogus Island
"Any account of Beaver Lake," he says, "would be incomplete
without reference to the counterfeiters who had their retreat on an
island in the lake, and whose discovery there by the early settlers
gave it the name of Bogus Island. Immediately prior to the year of
1839 the movements of strange men in strange ways about and in
the direction of Beaver Lake, and the presence of counterfeit coins
among the settlers created the suspicion that there was a band of
counterfeiters located somewhere about the lake. In the year 1839
a party was formed at Buncum, now the town of Iroquois, Illinois,
to discover and capture these offenders. The party was headed by
a man named Aaron M. Goodnow. They approached the lake from
the northwest, making their way in with team and wagon as far as
they could; they converted their wagon box into a boat and con-
tinued their journey to the island by water and captured three men,
with a complete outfit for making counterfeit coins. These men,
with their equipment for counterfeiting packed in two trunks, were
taken to the home of Jacob Troup, near Iroquois river and just
above the Indiana State line. They were there tried by Wesley
Spitler, then a Justice of the Peace, and bound over to Court, which
was then held at Williamsport.. One of the men, named Crane,
made his escape the second night after his capture ; the other two,
one of whom was named Fisher, were taken away by the Sheriff's
posse, but none of them were ever brought to justice."
Beaver Lake Land Litigations
"Perhaps the most interesting part of Beaver Lake history is an
account of the title to the land covered by the waters of the lake.
When the meander line of the Government survey was made, it
224 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
necessarily created a number of fractional, irregular pieces of land
that abutted on the margin of the lake.
"Early in the '50s, Michael G. Bright, then a prominent lawyer
and politician of this state, bought and became the owner of all the
fractional lots of land abutting on the margin of the lake, so that he
owned a narrow strip of land extending entirely around and next
to the lake. In the year 1857, he made a plat of these marginal lands
and of the entire lake. In this plat he assumed to extend into the
lake the outward lines of the Government survey, east and west
and north and south, so, as he asserted they would, by due inter-
section sub-divide the entire area into lots of forty acres each,
which lots he numbered on this plat from 1 to 427. Attached to this
plat he made a written statement, which after reciting his purchase
and ownership of all the marginal tracts of land, contains this declar-
ation of ownership :
" 'And whereas, in virtue of being riparian proprietor of all of
said lots and tracts of lands, I am, by operation of law, the owner
and proprietor of the bed of said lake, and of all the islands covered
by the waters thereof." This plat, with the declaration attached, was
by him executed and recorded in the office of the recorder of Jasper
County, afterwards transferred and recorded in this county, and
Mr. Bright's claim that in virtue of purchasing about 2,500 acres of
land he became the owner of more than 16,000 acres, then became
a matter of public record.'
"Soon after this he brought a suit in ejectment against one Wil-
liam C. Blake, charging in his complaint that Blake was in possession
of one of the islands in the lake. While it is believed that this suit
was collusive, and brought only to give to Bright's title the respect-
ability of a judicial decree, yet attorneys appeared on both sides and
elaborate briefs were filed. But Bright won, and poor Blake, who
doubtless never saw Bogus Island, was ousted from it.
"About the year 1859, John P. Dunn, then being auditor of the
state, deposited some of the trust funds of the state in the Metro-
politan Bank of Cincinnati. This bank failed and Dunn thereby
became a defaulter. Michael G. Bright was one of Dunn's bonds-
men, and he came forward and generously offered to settle the deficit
by turning over to the state enough of his Beaver Lake land to pay
it. The matter was referred to a legislative committee. This com-
mittee, of which the late Norman Eddy was a member, examined
the land and examined the title, and the whole matter in printed
form was reported back to the Legislature, and Acquilla Jones, then
treasurer of state, was by the Legislature authorized and directed to
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 225
take the conveyance from Bright in trust for the state, and to convey
the lands to the State of Indiana. This was done, and Bright was
relieved as a bondsman to Dunn. In making this conveyance Bright
did not convey all the land, nor did he convey any large body of it,
but conveyed each alternate forty-acre tract. In other words, he con-
veyed to the state the even numbered lots and retained the odd num-
ber lots, so that after this conveyance was made, the plat was like
a checkerboard, the state owning the white squares and Bright the
black ones. Matters rested thus until at the special session of the
Legislature in 1865 an act was passed providing for the sale of lands
in Newton County acquired by conveyance of Michael G. Bright and
wife of Acquilla Jones, and by Jones to the state. When the state
thus brought her land into market, Bright also placed the land
retained by him on the market, and from 1865 to 1870 these lands
were all bought, and the work of occupation and improvement was
commenced.
"The purchasers of these lands never questioned the validity of
a title so boldly declared by Bright and so openly dealt in by the
State, with full knowledge of its character brought to the minds of
the State officers and legislators, and this title was unquestioned
until in the year 1871, when the waters had receded, much of the land
had become apparently dry, and when the inhabitants of Beaver Lake
felt that the dawn of prosperity had arrived, they awoke one
morning to find small board houses on almost every quarter section of
the lake bed then dry enough to be occupied and each of these houses
had an occupant. A party of raiders, headed by the late Amzi B.
Condit, and Parker Dresser, came from Chicago, and upon the
theory that this was government land, they proceeded in the right to
take possession and preempt it. Suffice it to say that the Beaver
Lake settler of that day was not easily disturbed by a small demon-
stration. The raiders were all arrested, some of them barely escaped
being shot, and their board houses were taken and used for barns
and cattle sheds.
"But this raised the question of the validity of Bright's title, and
the matter was taken to Congress, and an effort was made to have
Congress authorize a conveyance direct to the owners of the Bright
title. After an exhaustive debate in Congress, this proposition was
rejected, but Congress passed an act in 1873 wherein it was provided
that the State of Indiana and her assignees, having drained and
reclaimed what is known as the bed of Beaver Lake, in Newton
County, Indiana, the same is hereby released and quit-claimed to
226 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the State of Indiana. This settled the right of preemption, and as
the owners believed, settled the title; but in this they were badly
disappointed. In about the year 1879, Jacob B. Julian, then an
attorney at Indianapolis, conceived the idea that under the Act of
Congress of 1873, the State became the owner of all the lots of land
in the bed of Beaver Lake that had not theretofore been conveyed
by the State under the Act of 1865. Acting on this belief, he ob-
tained permission from the attorney general to bring and did bring
suit against the owners of these lands. One of these cases was
tried, appealed and decided by the Supreme Court of the State
against the holders of the Bright title.
"As soon as this decision was rendered, the owners of the land
appealed to the legislature of the State, and in 1889 the legislature
recognizing the strong equities of the then owners of the Bright
title, by act of the General Assembly permitted them to re-enter the
land of the State at the nominal price of 37 cents per acre. Thus
it was that those who undertook to reclaim the waste of water and
worthless land were forced to fight through all sorts of adverse
conditions until they, like the title they acquired, became time-tried
and fire-tested.
"Of the early settlers of Beaver Lake and that vicinity, becoming
modesty forbids that I should say too much. If they were not, at all
times, as good as their more fortunately located neighbors, it was not
on account of a lack of good society, for during portions of the year
they had for their companions preachers, lawyers, doctors, judges,
mayors of cities, governors of States, politicians and statesmen. I
will not say, however, that these gentlemen were always on their best
behavior when they came to Beaver Lake to hunt and fish. In fact
the conduct of the best of them was often so peculiar that it became
proverbial with us that when a man, no matter how good, crossed
Beaver Creek on his way to Beaver Lake to fish or hunt, he left
much of his respectability there and took it up on his return, if at
the time sober enough to do so. Nevertheless, under the influence
of these splendid associations, I am satisfied that some progress was
made by the early settlers of Beaver Lake region in the virtues of
civilization, for as early as 1873, when the late Judge S. P. Thomp-
son of Rensselaer was prosecuting attorney, and the late Charles H.
Test was then presiding judge of the Newton Circuit court, it was
then solemnly and judicially determined that the man who resided
in the vicinity of Beaver Lake had a fair, average reputation for hon-
esty and integrity, if he had never been caught stealing."
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 227
The Brandon Trial
From John Ade's History of Newton County : "One day in the
summer of i860 I heard that a murder had been committed in Jack-
son township and that the prisoner had been brought to Kent, he
having been bound over by the examining justice. At that time the
county officers were in temporary quarters in a store building front-
ing the railroad, near the present site of the Fletcher blacksmith shop.
I went from my office to the room in which the prisoner was said to
be under guard, and there I found three of my old neighbors and
friends — Elijah Shriver, Calvin Hough and Samuel Brandon. From
my knowledge of the men, I could not believe it possible that any
one of them would be guilty of the crime charged, and I was so much
surprised that I believe I left the room without speaking to any of
them.
"Shortly afterward I learned that Samuel Brandon was the one
charged with the crime. He was taken to Lafayette and confined in
jail to await the action of the grand jury. On Monday, August 27,
i860, agreeable to an order issued by Charles H. Test, judge of the
12th judicial circuit, the court met for the first time in Newton
county, at Kent — Charles H. Test, judge; Zechariah Spitler, clerk;
Elijah Schriver, sheriff ; John L. Miller, prosecutor. After attending
to some preliminary business the following named parties were ad-
mitted as attorneys to practice in this court : William D. Lee, Albert
G. Brown, George W. Spitler and Robert H. Milroy.
"It was ordered by the court that Elijah Shriver, sheriff, go to
Lafayette and obtain the person of Samuel Brandon from the jailor
of Tippecanoe county and bring him before the court now in ses-
sion. The following persons were sworn to serve as grand jurors
for the term : Ransom Elijah, William Harriett, Allen Park, Henry
Rider, Young Thompson, Martin Crawn, George Stoner, Samuel
Bard, John Smith, Nathaniel Ford and James Cowgill, who, after
due deliberation, did on the 29th day of August, i860, return an
indictment against Samuel Brandon for murder :
"Following is from the record: 'Thursday, August 30, i860 —
Court met pursuant to adjournment. Comes now John L. Miller,
prosecuting the pleas of the state. Comes also the defendant in
person and by Mace, Lee & Spitler, his attorneys. Comes also a
jury, to wit : Nathaniel Wrest, John Padgett, James W. Dodson, John
Smith, Josiah Howenstine, Amaziah Board, Hugh Warren, Thomas
J. Smith, George Herriman, Joseph Louthain, Charles Prue and
Peter Shaub.'
228 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
"The facts brought out at the trial were substantially these:
Samuel Brandon and David Handley were neighbors, living in Jack-
son township. Handley had a corn field near the residence of Bran-
don, and one of Brandon's hogs got into the corn. In driving the hog
out, Handley threw a stone at the animal and broke its leg. This
irritated Brandon, who came running out to where Handley was,
and, after a few words, demanded that Handley get on his knees and
beg his pardon. Handley refused and Brandon shot him, causing
almost instant death.
"The jury, after hearing the evidence, argument of counsel and
charge of the court, returned its verdict into court as follows: 'We,
the jury, find the defendant, Samuel Brandon, not guilty as to the
first and third counts of the indictment and guilty as to the second;
and that he be imprisoned at hard labor in the state's prison for life.
Nathaniel West, Foreman.'
"Whereupon the court did, on the following day, pronounce judg-
ment against Brandon in accordance with the verdict of the jury
and sentenced him to punishment at hard labor in the state's prison
during his life.
"Brandon was not what you might call a bad man, but was pos-
sessed of an ungovernable temper which brought sorrow and death
to an innocent family and long years of confinement and remorse to
himself. In his case was proven the truthfulness of the statement,
'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that
ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.'
"During the progress of the trial Brandon seemed to be perfectly
indifferent as to the result, exhibiting no regret or sorrow for his
deed. All those present at the trial remarked on this phase of his
character. However, one evening during the progress of the trial,
after the proceedings for the day were closed, he and I were by
ourselves in a corner of the room, no others within hearing distance.
He seemed to unburden himself. He told me he would give any-
thing he had if he could only shed a tear, that he seemed to be burn-
ing up inside and there was no way by which he could get relief.
This satisfied me that we often misjudge others by seeing only that
which is visible from the outside, not knowing what is going on
within their consciences.
"In accordance with the sentence of the court, Brandon was
taken to the state's prison at Michigan City, where he remained some
fourteen years, when he was pardoned by the governor and returned
to his old home. Here he died several years later."
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 229
Justifiable Larceny
"I recall an interesting trial held at Morocco. James Moore had
missed several hogs, and he suspected one of his neighbors of having
stolen them. On searching the premises of the suspected party,
evidence was discovered which satisfied Mr. Moore that his sus-
picions were well founded. He then went to the justice of the peace,
James Murphy, and swore out a warrant for the arrest of the sus-
pected party. This warrant was placed in the hands of the constable,
Thomas Starkey, who came to my house and asked me to go with him
to assist in making the arrest. When we reached the home of the
party we were to arrest we learned that he had gone away. Expect-
ing to catch up with him in a short time, we rode on after him. We
kept hearing of his passing certain houses along the road, so we
kept on for some forty miles until we reached the town of Bradford.
Here we caught up with him and arrested him just as he was getting
on the train to go south. We stayed in Bradford over night and the
next morning started for home. We went through Rensselaer,
where we stopped for dinner, and at this point the man under arrest
made arrangements with David Snyder, a prominent attorney of
that town, to go down with us to Morocco and defend him at the
trial.
"We reached Morocco after having been away two days, although
we had not expected to be gone more than that number of hours.
The court was soon in session and ready to dispose of the case. A
jury was demanded and soon collected and accepted by the parties.
Witnesses gave their testimony showing that the body of the miss-
ing hog had been found in the house of the accused and fully
identified. It looked as though nothing could be said or done to
prevent the speedy conviction of the prisoner. David Snyder com-
menced his plea to the jury by saying that in all new countries there
were certain conditions and practices that every one recognized and
accepted, the same being entirely different from the conditions
existing in older settled portions of the country ; that customs long
practiced in a community became of higher authority in determining
certain cases than the mere letter of the law, instancing the estab-
lished custom of going to the woods and taking the timber freely
from lands owned by non-residents, placing under the same rule the
right of every person to take a hog wherever found running at large.
He said that custom made law and from time immemorial it had
been the custom in this country to consider hogs as public property,
and before a man could rightfully be punished for this offense there
230 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
must be a public meeting of the citizens of the community to then
and there declare that, from and after a certain date, hog stealing
in that community would constitute and be considered a crime.
"Strange as it may seem to us now, the jury took the same view
of the case that Mr. Snyder did, and the prisoner was discharged.
"About the year 1850 there was a great rush to buy up the timber
lands of this part of the state. The idea then was that as soon as
immigrants commenced the settlement of the prairie, the timber
lands would become valuable and a source of great profit to those
owning the same. With that idea in view, a great many non-residents
rushed in and bought up large tracts of timber land, thereby, to some
extent, at least, establishing a hindrance to the settlement of the
country. Consequently it was not long until, by a law acted upon
almost universally, residents had the right to go upon what was
called 'speculators' lands' and take the necessary timber to improve
their farms and erect their buildings, quieting the conscience by
saying, 'Others do it, and why not I ?'
"About the time the timber lands were bought up, quite a large
number of Swedes settled about seven miles west of Morocco, across
the state line in Illinois. I want to say they proved to be a very
valuable class of citizens — honest, industrious and truthful. Although
they had a hard time to make a living for the first three or four years
after they settled there, it was not long until they had good farms
and improvements, surrounded by many of the comforts of life,
amply repaying them for the privations of the first few years. When
the nation needed their help, no community, according to their num-
ber, furnished more or better soldiers during the Civil War, many
of them serving in Indiana regiments.
"A few years after they located and the struggle for a livelihood
became easier, they concluded they needed a church building, as
they were a very religious people. So one winter when there was
snow on the ground and sledding was good, about twenty or more
started for the woods with teams and sleds to cut logs and haul them
to Morocco, where there was a saw-mill. There they could have the
logs sawed up into lumber, to be used in building the church.
"That same afternoon James Archibald went out to get some
timber for his own use, and on arriving at a piece of timber land
owned by him, north of Beaver Creek, he found some of these same
Swedes busily felling trees. On reaching the point where they were
at work he asked them what they were doing. They told him they
were cutting logs and hauling them to the mill, as they were getting
ready to build a church.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 231
"He said to them : 'Do you know whose land this is that you're
cutting on?'
"They replied that they did not.
" 'Well,' Archibald went on, 'this is my land and I don't want
you to be cutting my timber.'
"They immediately stopped work and called to their preacher,
who was assisting them in the work. When he came up, one of the
men told him what Mr. Archibald had said.
"The preacher replied, 'Well, men, you must stop cutting here at
once.'
"Then turning to Mr. Archibald, he said, 'We are very sorry,
indeed, Mr. Archibald, to have disturbed your land, as we don't
want a stick of stolen timber put in our church, but we really thought
this was "speculators' land." ' "
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CHAPTER XVII
COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Pioneer Schools of the County — Prominent Ex-Pupils of a
District School — The: County Examiners (1861-73)' —
County Superintendents (1873-1916) — The System of the
Present — Play, as Well as Work — The School Savings
Bank — The Boys' County Corn Club.
The public school system of Newton County was organized
under the provisions of the State Constitution of 1851. For several
previous years the settlers had established and patronized subscrip-
tion schools, but it was not until 1854 that the first schoolhouse in the
county was built from the public funds. In that year a small
frame building was erected for educational purposes in the only
town which had been platted, Morocco. It stood about a block north
of the present site of the Farmers Bank and cost $300.
Pioneer Schools of the County
"In the early part of 1853," savs John Ade, who became a resident
of the county at that time, "there was not a single public school
building in the district now forming the county of Newton. There
were several buildings used for school and meeting-house pur-
poses, but they were all built by private enterprise. Some of them
were built by single individuals, and all were log buildings. There
was one at Morocco ; one about a mile and a half west, known as
the Kessler schoolhouse; one on the river, built by the Myers and
Kenoyer families ; one in Jackson township, near the Jabez Wright
residence. There may have been one southeast of the present town
of Brook. In most of these, school was taught for a short term
in each year, persons in the neighborhood uniting to employ a teacher,
he boarding around among the pupils, in many cases, as part pay
for the services rendered. These buildings did not have a nail or
any other article of iron in their composition. The floors, benches
and doors were made of puncheons ; wooden hinges for the doors,
233
234 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
and for a light, a log would be sawed out of the side of the build-
ing, and when they did not have glass, greased paper was used in
place of it. The roof was made by using clapboards, about three
feet long, split out of logs and held down in place by logs called
'weight poles.' When meetings were held at night, and spelling
schools, it was expected that each family would bring a candle or a
saucer of grease with a rag in it to furnish light for the occasion.
Rude and unsatisfactory as these conditions may seem to have been,
many of our prominent men got their first elements of an education
in these very schools.
"The school district immediately south of Morocco was first
provided with a schoolhouse of log, puncheon floor, puncheon
benches and clap-board-roof variety; but in about the year 1859
a new frame house was built in this district, with board seats,
sealed inside with pine lumber and provided with a shingle roof.
The first Democratic County Convention was held in this school-
house in the spring of i860. It was then located in the south-
east corner of section 28, but its present location is in the northeast
corner of section 33. In earlier times it was called the Whitson
Schoolhouse, Elijah Whitson and his family residing very near,
but later and until now it is called the Darroch Schoolhouse."
Prominent Ex-Pupils of a District School
If proof of some of the things said by Mr. Ade is required
this list of pupils is taken from the roster of this district school-
house, with an intimation of their later records : Charles M. Atkin-
son, police lieutenant of the City of Chicago, now acting captain,
with a record of twenty years service. George W. Atkinson,
mechanical and electrical engineer, and at this time and for several
years in the Government service at Washington. Walter Atkinson,
successful farmer and a graduate of Purdue University. James B.
Chizum, proprietor of the Western Publishing Company, of Chicago.
Albert E. Chizum, lawyer and prosecuting attorney of the Thirtieth
Judicial Circuit of Indiana. Joe M. Chizum, successful farmer and
banker. Austin M. Darroch, soldier, farmer and a member of the
Indiana State Legislature. Daniel C. Darroch, soldier, successful
physician, and twice elected a member of the Texas State Legisla-
ture. William Darroch. lawyer, judge of the Newton Circuit
Court, and twice a candidate for Congress. John M. Darroch,
proprietor of an extensive sheep and cattle ranch in Montana and
a member of the Montana State Senate. John Walter Shafor
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physician and at this time one of the leading practitioners of the
City of Lafayette, Indiana. Fred Shafer, civil engineer, graduate of
Purdue University, at this time and for several years in the Gov-
ernment service.
The County Examiners, 1861-73
For thirteen years after the organization of Newton County, the
head of its school system was the county examiner; since 1873 it has
been in charge of a county superintendent. Until 1873 the exam-
iners were appointed by the commissioners ; since that time the
county superintendents have been elected by the united board of
township trustees.
The roster of county examiners is as follows : Nathaniel West,
June 8, 1861, to June, 1864; William C. Rose, June, 1864-June, 1865 ;
James M. Nelson, June, 1865-June, 1868; O. P. Hervey, June, 1S68-
December, 1870; D. M. Graves, December, 1870-June, 1871 ; John
B. Smith, June, 1871-June, 1873.
County Superintendents, 1873-1916
The first superintendent was John H. Merchant, who served
from June, 1873, until June, 1875 ; succeeded by Benjamin F. Neisz,
June, 1875-March, 1877; D. S. Pence, March, 1877- June, 1878;
Pierce Archibald, May- June, 1879; William H. Hershman, June,
1879-June, 1889; William W. Pfrimmer, June, 1889- June, 1899;
William L. Killenberger, June, 1899-December, 1907; William O.
Schanlaub, since the latter date.
County Board of Education
What may be denominated the County Board of Education
comprises the township trustees, the school boards of the incor-
porated towns and the county superintendent.
Township trustees : William Martin, Jefferson Township, resi-
dence, Kentland; James Bell, Grant Township, Goodland; Frank
Brewer, Washington Township, Brook ; John R. Hershman, Iro-
quois Township, Brook; Charles W. Timmons, Beaver Township,
Morocco; George A. Hopkins, Jackson Township, Mount Ayr; Ora
Sellers, McClellan Township, Morocco; F. C. Tolin, Colfax Town-
ship, Fair Oaks; B. F. Davis, Lake Township, Lake Village; C. M.
Rice, Lincoln Township, Roselawn.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 237
The presidents of the town boards are: H. L. Sammons, Kent-
land; W. E. Mitten, Goodland; L. W. LeMasters, township member;
Marcus Foreman, Brook ; L. S. Recher, Morocco.
The county health officer is Dr. R. C. McCain and the county
attendance officer, Jacob A. White.
The System of the Present
In 1916 there was a total enrollment of 2,616 of school population
in Newton County, distributed as follows : First grade, 387 ; second
grade, 347; third grade, 324; fourth grade, 304; fifth grade, 294;
sixth grade, 224; seventh grade, 231; eighth grade, 169; High
School, 336. There were 106 teachers employed in the county, who
were paid over $57,000 ; for all other purposes the total amount
expended was $61,775.22, which brought the cost of the schools
(including two new brick schoolhouses) up to $118,991.94. The
estimated value of all school property in the county was $176,000.
As to the libraries connected with the system, those connected with
the township schools embraced 10,362 volumes and those identified
with the town schools, 5,480 volumes.
It was learned, in the summer of 1916, through the courtesy of
Hon. Charles A. Greathouse, superintendent of public instruction,
that Newton County has $48,593 in the Congressional Township
fund and $35,754 in the Common School fund, while its last semi-
annual apportionment of the state tuition revenue amounts to $7,087.
Under the direct superintendency of W. O. Schanlaub, the
county schools are conducted according to modern and progressive
methods. In the particular lining up the scholars, keeping them
to their knitting, or, in other words, rounding them up and seeing
that the shirkers do not evade the compulsory law without very
substantial excuses, J. A. White, the county attendance officer for
a number of years, is an invaluable captain under General Schanlaub.
At Kentland, Brook and Goodland, as well as in several of the town-
ship schools, manual training and domestic science have made notice-
able advances in the past few years. The subject of playgrounds has
also received general attention, and in Newton County the move-
ment has spread into the country as well as the towns.
Play as Well as Work
As remarked by Mr. Schanlaub : "In the country, wholesome
play is as necessary as it is in the towns. Too many people have
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 239
the erroneous idea that plenty of work with a change is all that a
boy or girl needs for exercise. This is all well and good, if the
young person enjoys to do the work. If he does not, it is not a
recreation to him."
The School Savings Bank
In the early part of 1914-15 the Goodland School established a
bank for the purpose of teaching pupils the advantages of forming
habits of thrift — of saving a portion of their earnings by some
systematic plan. Regular banking days were established, each depos-
itor had a pass-book, investments were made in such institutions as
the Building and Loan Association, and all financial transactions
were conducted according to business methods. All of which was
designed not only to form the habit of saving, but to practically
demonstrate numerous financial and business transactions which,
in the natural order of events, would prove useful information and
training for the future. The school bank idea is spreading.
The Boys' County Corn Club
Since the first one was organized in the spring of 1914, the
Boys' County Corn Club has caused general interest among the rising
generation of farmers who are headed for careful and scientific
methods of cultivation. It is peculiarly an Indiana institution. New-
ton County is divided into three districts, by townships, and the prizes
are given on the following points : Greatest yield per acre ; best
exhibit of ten ears ; best written account of crop, and best showing
of profit on investment. All corn must be checked at a height of
three feet six inches. The winner of the first prize gets a free trip
to Lafayette to attend the corn show, and a gold watch donated by
George Ade.
As an illustration of the practical nature of the Corn Club eight
of the rules governing the contestants are presented :
1. All contestants shall be between 10 and 18 years of age.
2. Each contestant shall agree to make a special study of scor-
ing, selecting, planting, cultivating and harvesting of corn.
3. Each contestant shall grow an acre or more of corn each
year.
4. Each boy shall plant, cultivate, and harvest his own corn.
However, if necessary, he may have assistance in breaking and bed-
ding his land, and in harvesting his crop.
240 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
5. Each contestant shall keep a record of the details concerning
his plot, work done, and the number of bushels harvested.
6. Each contestant shall write an account of not over four hun-
dred words of how he made his crop.
7. Each boy shall select ten ears on his plot and exhibit them at
the annual corn show of the club.
8. In estimating profits, $5.00 per acre shall be charged as rent
of land. The work of each boy shall be estimated at 10 cents per
hour, and the work of each horse at 5 cents per hour. Manure
shall be charged at the rate of $1.00 for each one-horse wagon load
of five bushels, and $2.00 for each two-horse wagon load of ten
bushels.
There could not be a better illustration of the progress made
in communities outside the metropolitan centers of the country
than the popular system of education in vogue throughout Newton
County.
CHAPTER XVIII
NATURE AND HER CULTIVATION
Transformation of the Beaver Lake Region — Natural Drain-
age and Topography — Prehistoric Mounds — Soil and Prod-
ucts— George Ade on Agricultural Changes of Twenty
Years — Jump from $50 to $200 per Acre — Scientific
Farming, the Explanation — Change in Popular Opinion.
Newton County, which embraces an area of 401.2 square miles,
or 256,720 acres, is a portion of the comparatively level country
which lies just north of the basin of the great Wabash system of
waterways and within the upper meshes of such large tributaries
of the Illinois as the Kankakee and the Iroquois rivers. The ridge
dividing the waters which flow into the Wabash system from the
Iroquois is close to the southern boundary of the county, and an-
other watershed, not so well defined, divides the Iroquois from the
Kankakee. These ridges afford natural facilities for the drainage of
the northern and central districts of the county. Artificial drainage,
which has been progressing, with numerous drawbacks, for the past
fifty years, has so strengthened the natural advantages that large
areas of lowlands have been reclaimed and transformed into pro-
ductive and attractive farms.
Transformation of the Beaver Lake Region
Beaver Lake, which at one time covered most of McClellan
Township, and Little and Mud lakes, smaller bodies of water south
and east of the former, in Colfax Township, have been virtually
brought to a complete and high state of cultivation. In the early
times Beaver Lake was one of the most noted resorts for hunters,
trappers and fishermen, red and white, in the state, and, although
efforts to drain it and convert the land into productive soil were
made over sixty years ago, as late as 1885 it was one of the most
popular resorts for the hunter and the sportsman to be found in
242 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the Middle West. The fur-bearing animals had been almost eradi-
cated, but the game of the feathered tribe was still abundant.
About 1853 the first effort was made to drain the lake by cutting
a ditch from the northwest part of the lake to the Kankakee River.
The contract for the work was taken by Austin M. Puett, grand-
father of Judge William Darroch. This pioneer ditch carried off
enough water to cause the shore line to recede about a hundred
yards, and, as it was enlarged and tributaries opened, the old bed of
standing water gradually disappeared. Beaver Lake is now a mem-
ory, its waters, at one time alive with beaver, muskrats, otter, ducks,
geese and every species of fish known to the interior streams of
the region, have been replaced by fields of grain and vegetables,
orchards and stretches of greensward, herds and droves of livestock
and modern farms in all the other details. A prosperous and settled
state of the Beaver Lake region was not achieved without years of
litigation in the courts, as well as a long period of drainage and cul-
tivation. As the entire subject has been threshed over historically
and legally by Judge William Darroch, grandson of the man who
commenced the actual draining of the lake district, the following
material is presented as the result of his investigation concerning the
physical transformation of the region growing out of the artificial
drainage of the lake : "Beaver Lake survives only in the memory of
the old settler ; something which is still a happy dream to the pioneer
hunter and trapper, and the delightful memory of the more modern
sportsman. It was located almost wholly within the limits of Mc-
Clellan township, in Newton County, Indiana, being township 30
north, range 9 west of the 2d P. M.
"The Government commenced the survey of this township in the
month of February, 1834, continued it during that month, recom-
menced it during the month of February, 1835, and completed it in
that month. It is safe to say now that those months in the year 1834
and 1835 were close winter weather, for no mention is made in the
record of any of the party having been drowned while this survey
was being made. The record does disclose this notation at the con-
clusion of the field notes of this survey. 'This township is all a
lake or deep marsh and morass, except a little in the southwest cor-
ner. Marsh four or five feet deep. No outlet to lake as I can
discover.'
"When this survey was made, the lake was not included in the
survey. A meander line was run around the margin of the lake,
and it was thrown out as water; was not then and never since has
been surveyed by the government.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 243
"As shown by the meander line of the Government survey, and
as the lake existed before being materially reduced by drainage, it
was the largest body of water in the State of Indiana. Its greatest
width from north to south was about four and one-half miles, and its
greatest length from east to west was about seven and one- fourth
miles. It covered an area of about 25 square miles, or about 16,000
acres of land.
"The banks of the lake were very low and the adjacent lands on
the east, south and west were low, wet marsh lands, so that in many
places it was difficult to determine where the marsh ended and the
lake began ; and although the meander line of the government survey
was intended to define the limit of land and the commencement of
water, yet as a rule it was all water. In earlier times the water in
the main body of the lake was perhaps six to ten feet deep, and
abounded in fish of all varieties usually found in streams and lakes
in this locality, and was especially remarkable for the number of
buffalo fish that abounded in its waters. So numerous were these
fish that for many years, and until the lake was practically drained,
the farmers for many miles away made annual and semi-annual fish-
ing trips to Beaver Lake as regularly as the seasons came and went.
"For many years, and until about the year 1885, Beaver Lake was
a popular resort for the hunter and sportsman. The wild ducks,
brants and geese, and swans, were found there in season and were
usually so abundant as to warrant the belief by many that no other
such resort for these birds could be found elsewhere in the United
States.
"While perhaps it was true that there was no well-defined outlet
to this lake, yet it is true that the overflow in time of high water was
to the west and southwest into Beaver Creek, thence into the Iroquois
river, so that Beaver Lake never was a part of the Kankakee valley,
but was a part of the valley of the Iroquois.
"However, the elevation of the lake was about thirty-five feet
above the Kankakee river, and its nearest point only four and one-
half miles distant from the river, and under an alleged system of
swamp land drainage then in vogue in this state, the State was
drained of the title to its land, the treasury of the State drained of its
money and the lands usually left wet and undrained.
"In about the year 1852 a ditch was cut through the dividing
ridge and from the northwest margin of the lake, into the
Kankakee river. Contrary to the usual experience with these swamp
land ditches the water flowed down this ditch instead of up it, and
it continued to drain the water from the lake, but with little apparent
244 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
effect until the year 1869, when the heavy and incessant floods of
that year washed out and enlarged the ditch, and thereafter it
emptied the water from the main body of the lake so that in the year
1 87 1, for the first time, fully three-fourths of the bed of the lake
was relieved of surface water. Thereafter its drainage was carried
on from year to year until now it is an accomplished fact.
"These are some of the recollections of Beaver Lake that occurred
to me might be of passing interest. The geography of a locality and
its historical incidents are important only as they effect the develop-
ment of the place and its people. Beaver Lake is now a thing of the
past. If those who hunted and fished there in days gone by should
return to the scene now and start in from the locality of Goose
Island, they would cross over not in a boat as they did before, but
in an automobile over the meadow to Buffalo cove, and on the way
would witness some of the finest agricultural land in Northwestern
Indiana, standing as a monument to commemorate the energy, the
trials, the perseverance and triumphs of some of the inhabitants of
Beaver Lake."
Drainage and Topography
As to the general physical features of the county : In the north
is the broad, low valley of the Kankakee, fringed with timber and
its lands now largely brought into productiveness. Then comes the
old lake region, slightly more elevated and more carefully culti-
vated, between Beaver Creek and the Kankakee River. The south-
ern part of the county is traversed by the Iroquois Valley in a gen-
erally westerly direction, and south of its belt of timber lands is
the Grand Prairie of Illinois, the most fertile part of the county.
Of the smaller streams, Beaver Creek runs through the western
half of the center of the county and flows directly into Illinois.
Curtis Creek flows in a southeasterly direction near the east-central
part of the county, joining the Iroquois in Jasper County.
Prehistoric Mounds
About the only points of interest for the archaeologist are also
in the Beaver Lake district. Before the lake was drained and the
adjacent lands given over to cultivation there was an elevated sandy
ridge east of the southern shores, along which were several clusters
of prehistoric mounds. One of the groups contained seven distinct
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 245
mounds from 2 to 12 feet in height and from 20 to 80 feet in diam-
eter, in which were found bones, pottery and various implements.
Soil and Products
It has been estimated that about 60 per cent of the lands in
Newton County may be classified as prairie, the soil of which is
generally of a loamy nature. Groves of timber are scattered through
the central parts between the valley of the Iroquois and the low
lands of the Kankakee region, that area being also interspersed with
ridges of sand. There is quite a variety of soil, altogether, so that
vegetables, grains, large fruits and berries flourish in different sec-
tions of the county, although the raising of corn, cattle and hogs
still constitute the main sources of revenue for the farming com-
munities, and Kentland, Brook and Goodland owe much of their
advancement to that fact.
George Ade on Agricultural Changes of Twenty Years
The wave of progress in all farming operations has washed over
Newton County and it is well up in the methods of scientific farming.
The bulk of the best lands have been drained and the active genera-
tion is intelligent and broad-minded. If these assertions are doubted,
perhaps conviction may come by reading this portion of an article
contributed to the Country Gentleman by a son of Newton County
not unknown to contemporaneous letters, George Ade, the author-
farmer. He is speaking of Newton County, especially of his home
stamping grounds at and around Kentland, and he pictures some
of the changes of twenty years :
" 'Twenty years later' sounds like a long jump of time in a play
or novel, but it is a brief span looking backward. Twenty years ago
this summer we were planning to attend the World's Fair at Chi-
cago. That doesn't seem very long ago, does it ? Yet twenty years
ago the young farmer with a new wife and a span of horses could
buy good land on credit for $50 an acre, the mortgage drawing
seven or possibly eight per cent. Wtih two or three crops to boost
him along he could count on reducing the principal so the interest
would not devour him. Those who bought at $50 an acre and used
ordinary diligence in farming paid out long ago and now are inde-
pendent landed proprietors.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 247
Jump from $50 to $200 per Acre
"The young farmer of today, who has a few hundred dollars and
a team of horses, is distinctly up against it if he wants to get a farm
of his own. The same land that was freely offered at $50 is now
$200 an acre. It is better drained and has a stone road along one
edge, but it is no more productive than it was twenty years ago, and
the grain produced from it may not command much higher prices
at the elevator. The mortgage rate has been reduced from seven
or eight to five or six per cent, but five per cent on $200 is an awful
leap from eight per cent on $50.
"Land at $200 an acre will change us, all at once, from a new
and shifting community to an old and settled community. Those
who have are going to hold. Transfers of land are becoming infre-
quent. The tenant farmer on 160 acres hasn't the courage to assume
a debt of $32,000 and pay $1600 interest on the mortgage when he
can get the farm for about $1300 a year in grain rent.
"Our country lanes are punctuated with the trim white houses
and the bulky red barns of men who landed out here in the seven-
ties and eighties from Ireland or Sweden or the Teutonic region of
Pennsylvania and went to work as farm hands at $20 a month. They
saved up to get their teams and implements and marriage licenses ;
then they bought land on time, and today they are independent and
wealthy, with the boys attending Purdue and a motor car standing
under every clump of maples.
"It is the fashion of each generation to say that the day of
opportunity has passed, but it certainly does seem, right in our
neighborhood, that the farm hand who wishes to transform himself
into a country gentleman has not the chance that fell into the way
of young men thirty years ago.
"We have capitalized so heavily that the man with a few dollars
is afraid to get into the game. Like some of the trusts that we
denounce so willingly, we have quadrupled the valuation without
increasing the size or output of the plant. We know that land has
gone sailing to $200 an acre, but we don't know why.
Scientific Farming, the Explanation
"The fact is that out in the Mississippi valley we are trying to
live up to a sudden inheritance. We have come face to face with a
new and bewildering set of conditions. We find ourselves the cus-
todians of great hunks and wads and bundles and bales of unexpected
248 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
and undeserved wealth. Even the most benumbed and unambitious
slave of the old-time routine has been jarred by the revolution. He
is compelled to give some heed to a new contraption called
'scientific farming.'
"When I attended Purdue University in the eighties the course
in agriculture was a joke. The lowly 'ag' student was a logical
campus goat. The Hoosier farmer merely snickered at the sugges-
tion of sending a boy to college so he could learn to plant fields and
feed cattle.
"Today the agricultural course is the most popular one at Purdue.
Fifty broad-shouldered huskies completed the four-year course in
June. These boys are not going to head for the cities, to get desk
jobs or slowly starve within the overcrowded battlements of the
learned professions. They are going back to the farms to raise
more corn and wheat and oats per acre than ever were raised before;
to feed the broad and buxom steer so as to top the market ; to live
civilized and useful and happy lives in comfortable homes, sur-
rounded by all of the conveniences and most of the luxuries.
"The motor car and the stone road have eliminated distance.
The morning paper is poked into the R. F. D. box before noon every
day. The baseball scores are on tap at central. The shower baths
are just as satisfactory as those at the biggest New York hotel. If
the poor peasant farmer chooses to sit down in the cool of the
evening and listen to the Sextette from Lucia, who shall deny him
his humble joy?
"More than 600 students come to Purdue every year for instruc-
tion in agriculture, horticulture, dairying and animal husbandry.
This total does not include the hundreds who come in January for
the week of lectures and demonstrations. A whole army descends
upon the college town. The men come to learn about fertilizers and
the economy of silos and the principles of stock feeding; how to
get their hog-cholera serum, how to judge seed corn, how to spray
fruit trees, how to measure butter-fat in milk. The women come to
learn household management, the relative food values of stuff sold
at grocery stores, and how to make bread and cook meats.
"The indifference and contempt of thirty years ago have given
way to an almost rabid eagerness to learn the new methods — to
utilize at once on the farm every important truth demonstrated
by the investigators at Purdue.
"The special cars sent into every part of the state are billed
in advance like a country circus. When one of these decorated
cars pulls into a way station there is a crowd waiting to look at the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 249
exhibits and to listen, with relaxed lower jaw, to the new gospel of
farming with the head instead of the back muscles. Lately the
legislature has provided for an agricultural guide, counselor and
friend in every blessed county — these local experts to work under
the direction of a chief at the University.
"The yield must be increased and the fertility conserved. The old
endless routine of corn one year and then oats with clover next
year, hauling out the manure when it gets piled up too much round
the stable, seemed to be regular farming when land was $50 an acre.
But now some of our neighbors are shaming us. We hear that over
the state line, near the town of Oilman in Illinois, a real farmer,
named Frank Mann, is getting 80 bushels of oats to the acre, when
we have to be satisfied with 45. He is shucking 100 bushels of corn
to the acre, thereby proving that 60 bushels is not a full yield. Both
our greed and our pride have been roused by the reports from our
more advanced neighbors.
"For instance there is a quiet and calculating young farmer
over near our neighboring town of Morocco. He owns 160 acres
of land and makes every square inch of it serve his purpose. He
prepares his ground carefully, makes sure that his seed is clean
and of first quality, has tested various commercial fertilizers and
applies them persistently. He has some good cows, some good brood
mares, some good hogs and a few feeding steers. He reaches out
in many directions for revenue and there is no doubt that he clears
$5000 a year. The tenant farmer on a quarter section calls it a
good year if he shows a gross total of $3000.
"The answer is that the farmer who cannot take $5000 from a
quarter section every year will have to transfer his activities to
some profession less exacting.
"Our neighbors are learning how to judge and test seed corn.
They have decided that weeds and puny seeds should not be planted
with the good oats. The silos are sprouting in numerous barnyards.
The theory of fifteen years ago, that the man who tried to feed
fancy stuff for the Chicago market would go broke, has been suc-
ceeded by a belief that the man with a feed yard full of steers and
shoats will make a hatful of money and not impoverish his soil.
"You can't keep stock on $200 land. That learned dictum is about
to pass into history. The new declaration is that a man can't afford
to keep poor stock on $200 land. We have some Belgian mares
and a good lot of colts, a bunch of likely white-faced yearlings, an
interesting colony of Durocs, a flock of well-wooled Shropshires and
250 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
a few good Holsteins, and I am sure they will fit into the landscape
even when the land sells for $400 an acre.
"The fertilizer problem has got us guessing. We no longer con-
tend that land as black as your hat will hold up if you slap on a
little manure now and then. Frank Mann and others of his pro-
gressive breed most certainly have induced us to sit up and take
notice. We are willing to fertilize to a fare-ye-well if we are assured
of a net profit in the long run.
"One trouble is that our advisers at the colleges do not agree
among themselves. The automobile salesman who tells you that
the other man's car is a 'pile of junk' is no more set and positive in
his opinions than the average advocate of a commercial fertilizer.
Over in Illinois the rock-phosphate men have made a real showing
of results, under the leadership of Dr. Hopkins. The crop reports
made by them seem to be convincing, yet the soil experts in the
states adjoining Illinois do not join in any unqualified indorsement
of the rock. They prefer a mixture in which the acid phosphate
will be available at once.
"As for some of the Chicago companies sending out blood and
bone from the stockyards, they rave against the rock phosphate.
Recently they contended that the powdered rock would form a
cement with the moisture in the soil, so that a farmer who kept on
applying rock phosphate would finally cement his field into a hard
and unyielding concrete pavement. Doubtless they are mistaken.
Rock phosphate is a big help, even if the results are somewhat
delayed. But the farmer who puts anywhere from $4 to $10 an
acre into a single application of fertilizer wants to be sure that he
is getting the very best for that particular field.
"The hieroglyphs of chemistry are a terrifying mystery to the
layman, so it is not surprising that many farmers who are eager to
build up their land have been puzzled and frightened by these claims
and counterclaims of the fertilizer companies. Even the soil experts
from the colleges cannot always tell just what application will be
most effective. They frankly advise every farmer to stake off a
few experimental plats and keep careful records and find out in two
or three seasons the exact money value of several kinds of fertilizer."
CHAPTER XIX
NEWTON COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR
(1861-1865)
The "Boys" of '61 — The County at the Outbreak of the War
—First War Meeting — Summer and Fall of '61 — Organi-
zation of Company B — Off for the Front — Dark Days in
Newton County — Enrollment in the County — "The Home
Guard" — John Ade — Brook Soldiers' Monument and Tablet
— Newton County's Roll of Honor — Gave Their Lives in
the Service — "Out of Reach."
By John Higgins
■ In writing history, the task must necessarily depend on records
made at the time the events transpired, and from the memory of
those living and more or less actively interested in the vital events
of the period. It may be well to note briefly in connection with
this subject, the condition, or rather, to use the prevailing phrase
at this writing (1916), the preparedness or unpreparedness as the
reader may conclude, of the State of Indiana, at the breaking out of
the Civil war.
At the outbreak of the war, the state had less than 500 stand
of small arms, of the flint lock and percussion-cap muskets, 8 can-
non, the most of which were scattered among the counties and in
hands of individuals formerly members of militia companies. Under
an act of the General Assembly approved March 5, 1861, Governor
Morton had taken steps to secure the return of all arms, which, on
inspection, were found to be only fit for "guard mounting" and drill
practice.
The report of the treasurer of state for the year 1861 shows that
there were on hand on the nth day of February, 1861, only the
sum of $10,368.58 in actual cash, and this sum was made up prin-
cipally of "trust funds" which could not be touched for general
military purposes. About the middle of March, 1861, Governor
251
252 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Morton, in view of the impending rebellion, endeavored to procure
from the General Government a supply of arms for the state troops.
The national armories, under the maneuvers of Floyd, formerly
secretary of state, were almost empty. Five thousand muskets were
obtained. Before these were forwarded, however, actual hostili-
ties had begun and Indiana was called upon to do her part in the
defense of the nation and the suppression of the rebellion. With
no militia force or system ; almost destitute of arms and munitions,
the public treasury depleted to almost emptiness, the work of prep-
aration for the vigorous performance of her part in the Civil war
was undertaken.
As heretofore noted in this volume, Newton County was erected
out of a portion of Jasper County, under provisions of an act of the
General Assembly of the State of Indiana, approved March 7, 1857,
and act amendatory thereof, approved March 5, 1859, and record
of the board of commissioners of Jasper County December 8, 1859.
On April 21, i860, the new County of Newton became a separate
jurisdiction and its several county officers entered upon the duties
thereof.
The "Boys" of '61
Surprise is often expressed that there are so many veterans of
the Civil war still living. The fact is that out of the total enlistments
of 2,823,935, in the Union army, the war was fought at least on the
Union side by boys, and the phrase "Boys of '61" is a literal
expression of the truth. As a historical fact in connection with this
subject, is here stated the official figures of the age of enlistments
in the Civil war as appear from the official war records at Wash-
ington, D. C.j compiled as follows:
Those of 10 years and under 25
Those of 1 1 years and under 38
Those of 12 years and under 225
Those of 13 years and under 300
Those of 14 years and under I-523
Those of 15 years and under 104,987
Those of 16 years and under 231,051
Those of 17 years and under 844,981
Those of 18 years and under 1,151,438
Those of 21 years and under 1,007,360
Those of 22 years and over 818,511
Those of 25 years and over 46,626
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 253
The first nine classes and the last three classes, aggregating
2,823,935 men and boys.
The County at the Outbreak of the War
Newton County was not yet one year old, when on April 12, 1861,
the batteries at Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, struck down
the flag of the Union. The premeditated design, with so many days
anxious waiting for the end that did not come until nearly five
years later, excluded every other subject from the minds of the
people of the young County of Newton. The loyal hearts of its
small population stood still, as it were, but the shock was only tem-
porary. The field of argument was abandoned. Intense indignation
greeted the first blast from the guns of the South. The North
answered the summons, and mustered for the war. Newton County
stood ready to do her part and active preparations for the conflict
were immediately begun. The people of the county had been called
to meet to express their sentiments, their indignation and their
loyalty to the flag, thus struck down by the misguided hands of the
South in the vain hope of perpetuating a false principle of liberty.
In those days of heart-throbbing fear and anxiety, Kentland
had but eighteen buildings, including the frame courthouse just
completed. Its religious services and schools were held in the half
second story of a building used for a tinshop below. The week-day
confusion of ideas above and below can better be imagined than
described. Brook had but nine buildings, including the old school-
house where now stands its handsome memorial library. Morocco
had but twelve buildings and the Town of Goodland had just been
placed on the map of the county under the name of Trivoli.
Following the fall of the flag at Fort Sumter small squads of men
of all ages might be seen each evening at the Town of Kentland,
marching and drilling as for war, with serious faces, keeping step to
the vigorous taps on a dish pan made by a small lad of twelve years
of age at their head. On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln issued
his first call for 75,000 volunteers to serve three months to put down
the rebellion. The dear old martyr ! How little his great heart and
mind realized the enormous task before him and that it would be
necessary to make his second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh
calls, and sacrifice millions of men — yea, even his own grand life —
before the struggle ended ! More than half of the men drilling and
marching in these early days of the conflict answered this first call.
254 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
First War Meeting
The first war meeting held in the county was at Kentland, in the
first week in May, 1861. The drummer boy, John Higgins, had been
presented with a real army drum by Dr. E. B. Collins and Samuel
Bramble, in lieu of the dish pan used for the marchers. John Rey-
nolds and Samuel Yeoman were the fifers, and the way they pro-
duced the martial strains of "Yankee Doodle" and "the Campbells
are Coming" at this meeting and others following, and later in field
and camp at the front, was enough to put down the whole Con-
federacy. But it did not, nor was it accomplished, until after more
than four years of battles, hardships and privations, more than
500,000 lives on both sides had been sacrificed, and inexpressible
suffering had been experienced in camp and vacant firesides.
Dr. E. B. Collins presided at this first war meeting. A solemn
stillness seemed to prevail over the whole house and the awful
seriousness of the challenge from Charleston Harbor struck every
loyal heart with horror at the thought of what this war might mean.
Nearly the entire population of the young Town of Kentland and
the surrounding neighborhood filled the courthouse. Doctor Fitch,
from Logansport, had been invited to address the people. He was
followed by Dr. E. B. Collins, John Ade, D. A. McHolland, John
Peacock and William Ross. It was finally decided to organize a
full company of volunteers in response to President Lincoln's second
call for 82,000 additional volunteers on May 3, 1861 ; but the com-
pany was finally mustered under the third call of July 5, 1861, for
400,000 volunteers for three years ; and so the preparation for the
long and mighty struggle was begun so far as Newton County was
concerned, and well did she perform her part.
Out of the 208,367 men which the State of Indiana sent to the
war, Newton County has the proud record of contributing her full
quota, with but a single draft ; and that would have been unnecessary
if the boys in their eagerness to fire the first shot had been more
careful in being credited to their home county.
After the speaking, the meeting proceeded to raise a full com-
pany and called for volunteers. Dr. E. B. Collins and D. A. Mc-
Holland took charge of the enlistments. John Ade, the Morton of
Newton County, took charge of the enrolling table this first night,
with words of encouragement and hope for their safe return, as the
boys came forward to sign the roll midst the silent weeping of
mothers, wives, sisters and friends. It is not known how many
enlisted at this meeting, but it formed the nucleus of what afterwards
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 255
became Company B, of the Fifty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers,
the first full company of volunteers from Newton County. The work
of enlisting a full company was too slow for some fifty or sixty
impatient patriots, who hurried away to join other companies nearly
ready for action, at Logansport, Lafayette, and other cities.
Summer and Fall of '6i
At this time, in the summer of '61, the county had but 539 voters,
representing a population of about the size of Jefferson Township
as it now is, but the work of enlistment went on. War meetings
were held in every schoolhouse in the county. One was held at
"Collins" schoolhouse on the border of Beaver Lake. The music
of the fife and drum mingled with the rippling waters of the lake,
and the loud calls of thousands of wild ducks and geese hovering
about, seemed to applaud and endorse the cause for which the people
were assembled and bid its young recruits God-speed; but the lake
and its wild ducks, like many of those who attended this meeting,
have long since departed from view. Edward and John Sherman,
brothers, were enlisted at this meeting.
Wherever these meetings were held they were largely attended,
William Ross, J. A. Hatch, John Ade and E. B. Collins were speak-
ers; Samuel Yeoman, fifer, and John Higgins, the drummer, sup-
plied the martial music wherever held. During the summer months
of '61 the work of organizing Company B went on. The Seventh
to the Fortieth regiments, rendezvoused at different cities in the
state, were nearly ready for active service. Many of the Newton
County boys could not, or would not wait for the home company,
and left to join some one of the above regiments. Among them
were Thomas M. Clark, John Deardruff, Adonjah Smart, Isaac
Smart, Jacob H. Sager, David Sager, Horace K. Warren, John
Blue, and some others whose names can not be recalled, but they
all appear in the tabulated list in connection with this history.
In the early fall of 1861, Company B having nearly reached its
full complement of 100 men and boys — they were mostly boys,
averaging in age about 18^2 years, according to official enrollment —
met at the old schoolhouse in the Town of Brook, on October 12,
1861, for final organization and election of officers and preparation
for departure for the front. Several new names were added to the
roll at this meeting. The women and girls of Brook and vicinity
had provided a huge dinner for the boys and, needless to say, they
proved themselves as good soldiers at the table as they did after-
256 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
wards at the front, when "hard tack" (army biscuit) was the only
item of fare for several meals. But few of those present at this
feast now survive, and of the ladies who helped to cook and serve
the dinner of 1861, fifty-five years ago at this writing (August,
1916), only Aunt Polly Lyons, Mrs. John B. Lyons, Mrs. John
Lowe, Mrs. Ann Hawkins, Mrs. Finley Shaefer, Mrs. Mary Meri-
deth, Mrs. Harve Thomas, Mrs. James Lowe, Mrs. Ephraim Ham,
and Mrs. Aaron Lyons, survive.
Organization of Com,pany B
At this meeting David H. McHolland was elected captain ;
Albert Light, first lieutenant; Adolphus H. Wonder, second lieu-
tenant; Jeremiah Sailor, orderly sergeant; William R. Lewis, Jira
Skinner, Robert Barr, and E. R. Arnold, sergeants; J. F. Shaefer,
Aaron Kenoyer, J. D. Morgan, G. E. Tiffiny, J. S. Hurst, William
Dewees, Alvin Arnold, and Daniel Doty, corporals ; John Higgins,
drummer; Samuel Yeoman, fifer; Kin Ferguson, teamster. Later,
in the month of October, Col. A. D. Streight, who was organizing
the Fifty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers, at Indianapolis, came
out and made the boys a ringing war speech, offering them the posi-
tion of left-flanking company in his command and promising that
Dr. Erasmus B. Collins should be the surgeon of the regiment.
This just suited the boys and they voted for the Fifty-first; and this
is how the first organized company of volunteers from Newton
County became known as Company B in the Civil war.
Others who had taken much interest in recruiting this company
had previously enlisted in other commands, among them Charles E.
Ross in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry ; Dr. J. A. Hatch, surgeon, Thirty-
sixth Illinois Infantry; Dr. C. E. Triplett, Sr., surgeon, Eighty-
seventh Indiana ; Daniel Ash, captain, Ninety-ninth Indiana ; C. A.
Wood, Ninety-ninth Indiana; Daniel Graves, captain, Twelfth Cav-
alry; Cyrus Learning, Fifth Cavalry; James Bissell, captain, One
Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana ; Isaac Smart, Ninth Indiana ;
Morris A. Jones, Eighty-seventh Indiana; H. K. Warren, captain,
and David and Jacob H. Sager, in the Fifteenth Indiana. It will
be seen that the county was not only represented in men, but officers
and surgeons as well ; and so the inhabitants of the county sought
to serve their country in various ways as became loyal citizens. Just
before leaving for the front, A. J. Kent gave the boys a big dinner
and dance at his hotel in Kentland. Samuel Bramble officiated as
chief barber on that occasion, cutting their hair free of charge.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 257
Off for the Front
On November 5, 1861, the company departed to join their regi-
ment, taking the afternoon train at Kentland. It seemed that every
man, woman and child was at the depot to see them off, and it was
no merry leave-taking. Second Lieut. A. H. Wonder was assigned
the duty of drilling the company. He was a young German, with a
military education, and enforced strict discipline. He was imme-
diately dubbed, "Stubin Swist." Capt. D. A. McHolland took rank
as "Old He" and John B. Lyons, after his promotion to hospital
steward, was known as "Old Jersey," notwithstanding he was only
eighteen years old. The total enrollment of Company B was 144;
killed in battle, 5 ; wounded, 20 ; died from disease, 22 ; discharged
for disability, 29 ; missing, 22 ; mustered out at San Antonio, Texas,
December 13, 1865.
Dark Days in Newton County
But the loyalty of old Newton was not altogether unanimous, and
while the veil of charitable forgiveness has long since been drawn
over the ill-advised acts of some of its citizens, in common with
others throughout the state, yet the lamentable fact is part of the
historical events of the times. The frequent calls of the President
were hindered and delayed by sympathizers with the rebellion, dis-
couraging enlistments and otherwise rendering such aid to the Con-
federacy as they could, covertly. But this only served to fire the
patriotism of the loyal citizens of Newton to greater effort, and
united them more firmly in the determination to do their part in
putting down the rebellion. The frequent calls of the President, the
appeals of Governor Morton, the reverses of the Union arms all
through 1862 and the first part of 1863, brought forth the active
energy of every loyal man and woman in the county.
These were the darkest days of the war in Newton County.
Dispatches from the front were read with feverish eagerness. The
long list of killed and wounded was anxiously scanned for some
familiar loved name. The passer-by, along the highways, was met
at the gate by some mother or wife with eager, questioning look,
asking for news from the seat of war. The towns of Brook, Morocco
and Kentland had but few able bodied men left. Goodland, in those
days, had only just been placed on the map of the county, and its
few inhabitants were under the care of William Foster and David
Creek. The latter had four sons in the Union ranks, one of whom
Vol. 1—17
258 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
was killed in battle before Richmond, Virginia. William Foster
was personally represented at his own expense.
Beginning of the Bounty System
War meetings came thick and fast now. The principal one of
this period was held August 9, 1862, and was presided over by Dr.
W. T. Maxwell. Hon. Edwin P. Hammond, of Rensselaer, after-
wards colonel of the Eighty-seventh Regiment, made the principal
speech and was followed by S. S. Powers. After the speaking was
over, N. West, of Kentland, offered a resolution asking the county
commissioners to donate $200 to volunteers and a committee of two
from each township was appointed to raise $800 more. The com-
mittee consisted of John Darroch, John Smart, W. T. Maxwell,
Felix French, Solomon Warren, William Russell, James E. Smith,
Thomas Harris, N. West, and J. W. Dodson. Under this call, the
third, the quota for Newton County was thirty-three. N. West, W.
T. Maxwell and A. Sharp, each gave $25 for volunteers ; this was the
beginning of the bounty system in Newton County. Dr. C. E.
Triplett, Sr., Capt. Daniel Ash and James Bissell, were especially
active about this time, and succeeded in raising about eighty men.
Enrollment in the County
The county had up to this time but six townships, Lake Town-
ship, comprising the whole of Lake, Lincoln, Colfax and McClellan;
and Iroquois, the whole of Iroquois and Grant townships. The
official enrollment at this time, shows the following between the ages
of eighteen and forty years :
Townships Able Bodied Disabled Enlisted
Lake 33 5 21
Beaver 45 15 57
Washington 74 27, 52
Jackson 64 11 36
Iroquois 60 14 42
Jefferson 84 26 67
Total 360 94 275
The second enrollment (October 9, 1862) of males between eight-
een and forty-five years shows: Able bodied, 401; disabled, 95;
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 259
volunteered, 298 ; conscientiously opposed to bearing arms, 2. Total,
796. Subject to draft, 304. The third enrollment is not obtainable.
James Bissell, Abel Lyons and Joseph Blessing now became
active in organizing another company of volunteers ; and it would
seem that after so many had gone that Newton County had done her
part — but not so. More men were needed and they went. This
company joined the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment, with
James Bissell as captain, Captain Ash having previously gone with
the Ninety-ninth Regiment. And still more were needed and more
went, about twenty-five joining the One Hundred and Fifty-first
Regiment.
The total number of enlistments up to the close of the war to
the credit of Newton County was 402 — nearly half its population —
and according to official reports only one man credited to the county
was drafted; a proud record. All manner of inducements were
offered and every effort made to fill up the quota. Whole neighbor-
hoods were depleted of their able bodied men. In many instances
the women and girls were obliged to harvest the crops, two or three
families joining together for mutual care and support and fighting
the battles of life, while husbands, fathers and brothers were offer-
ing their lives that this nation might live ; and, by the grace of God
and the heroic sacrifice of the mothers and daughters of the North,
does live in the unity of the states cemented by the common blood
poured forth by the contending forces, marshaled and generaled by
a mightier arm than either of the contending armies.
An official exhibit showing amount paid for bounties and relief
by the county and townships is a part of the history of the times.
Newton County at Large Bounties $25,900
Iroquois Township Bounties 2,200
Jackson Township Bounties 2,200
Beaver Township Bounties 1,500
Washington Township Bounties 2,000
Jefferson Township Bounties 3,000
The relief fund amounted to $3,288.
The "Home Guard"
And there were other soldiers — God bless them ! — composed of
both men and women ; the Home Guard, in fact. They could not
bear arms, but thev bore the brunt and burden of the trials and
260 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
hardships at home. They were known as the Soldiers Aid Society.
This society was organized in April, 1863. Mrs. A. J. Kent was the
first president; Mrs. Amanda Bramble, vice president; Sarah A.
Peacock, secretary; Mrs. John Ade, treasurer; Mrs. Jane Bissell,
Miss Agnes Kent and Miss Harriet Peacock, executive committee.
Kentland, by reason of being the only railroad town of the county,
was designated the general headquarters and depot of supplies.
Auxiliary committees were active in all parts of the county, caring
for the sick and destitute families of the soldiers in the field and in
collecting and forwarding to the front needed articles not on the
Government ration list, such as potatoes, onions, kraut, pickles, lint
bandages, reading matter, cordials and medicines. These needy
supplies did much to bring back the spark of life almost gone from
some poor soldier. They had frequent meetings, spending whole
days in providing lints and bandages and ways and means for re-
lieving suffering. It is remembered that Mary Ann Root proposed
to knit a pair of stockings for every soldier from Newton County,
her only condition being that the yarn furnished her should be
smooth and soft. Mrs. J. W. Bartholomew, of Morocco, gave a lot
of onions. It was all she had to give at the time, but was donated
willingly and did the soldiers more good than a bushel of pies. In-
stances of this kind are too numerous to mention, but these many
acts of kindness went far to prove the worth and self-denial of these
grand women of Civil war times in Newton County, and while their
names are recorded in the book of eternal life, yet for the benefit of
future generations, they should be recorded here. As nearly as can
be ascertained from incomplete records, this society was ably sup-
ported and its membership was as follows : E. L. Urmston, S. A.
Bramble, William Ross, Oscar Phelps, John Whitaker, A. J. Kent,
Andrew Hess, Sarah Hess, Frances C. and Sarah Lowe, John Pea-
cock, Rebecca Dodson, William Perry and wife, C. Rittinger, Matilda
Tones, George Herriman, Bluford Light and wife, Mrs. Hosier, Eph
Bridgman, G. W. McCray, Ezra B. Jones, David Hess, Betsey Hess,
Mary Ann Root, John Lyons, Catherine Lyons, Samuel and Mar-
garet Lyons, Morris Lyons, John Davis, Dempsey Johnson, John F.
Johnson, William Littlejohn, John Martin, Joshua Ponsler, Mrs.
Beabout, Mrs. Thompson, Alonzo Skinner, Philip Earl, Edgar
Hawkins, Jane Archibald, J. B. West, Eliza Griffith, Jacob Kenoyer,
Joshua Timmons, Joseph Timmons, Ezekiel WTiiteman and their
wives, Sally Deardruff, John Murphy, William Coovert, Josiah and
Hannah Smith, David Creek, William Foster, Madison Collins,
Blake and Amanda Wilson, Levi Bridgeman, Daniel Deardruff, Wil-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 261
liam Sailor, W. T. Maxwell, J. T. Bartholomew, Silas Johnson and
wife, Thomas Peck and wife, William Archibald and wife, Nancy
Murphy, James Kay and wife, Doctor Caldwell, Sarah Gleason,
David Pulver, George White, Amos White, Asher Wilcox, Mary A.
Wishard, Carry Hopkins ; and numerous young girls who were un-
married, but deserving of mention in Newton County history, among
whom are these, now known as Mrs. John B. Lyons, Mrs. John
Lowe, Mrs. Ann Hawkins, Mrs. Finley Shaefer, Mrs. Henry Meri-
deth, and Mrs. Harve Thomas, who helped to cook and serve the
famous dinner of 1861 to the boys of "Company B" in '61 at Brook,
just previous to departure for the front.
Some idea of the enormous amount of work that this society per-
formed, will be gained from the fact that the official reports show
the number of beneficiaries in the county was put down at 542, and
the amount apportioned by the state to Newton County, under the
Act of the Legislature approved March 9, 1865, was $4,387.44 for
relief.
Official exhibit of the relief fund for the county and by town-
ships, as follows :
Newton County at Large $1,288.50
Iroquois Township 400.00
Jackson Township 300.00
Beaver Township 500.00
Washington Township 200.00
Jefferson Township 600.00
Miscellaneous 800.00
Total $4,088.50
From 1863 on> the enlistments became more scattering. Details
from the companies in the field came home for recruits and a num-
ber of the boys returned with them, and in the summer of 1863,
when it seemed that no more men could be spared, in response to
Governor Morton's call for troops to repel the invasion of the rebel
General Morgan, who had crossed the Ohio River from Kentucky to
the State of Indiana, Newton County, in less than twenty-four hours,
had mustered nearly 100 men for the defense of the state. John
Ade rode all night on July 9th of that year, like Paul Revere of
Revolutionary fame, and on the nth the company departed for
Indianapolis. Capt. H. K. Warren, a returned veteran, was in
command, and John Ade, first lieutenant. The company, however,
262 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
never was sworn into service. Missing connection at Reynolds,
they proceeded to Logansport, where they remained all night. The
next day they received word from Indianapolis that no more troops
were required for the present, but to return home and maintain
their organization. This company was composed of business men
and farmers all past the military age. They kept up their organiza-
tion until after the close of the war, as Home Guards. The roll of
this company was not preserved.
In the last days of 1864, twenty-six other Newton boys enlisted
and became a part of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-first
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
John Ade
No military history of Newton County can be complete without
mention of the valuable services of John Ade, rendered to Newton
County's soldier boys while they were offering their lives for the
unity of the states ; because of his many acts of humanity in visiting
the sick soldiers in the field and hospital, supplying them with com-
forts from home and bringing back the dead for home burial when-
ever possible, he was the Morton of Newton County, in the Civil
war. His trips to the South with Governor Morton's pass was
often perilous, yet he never faltered. Wherever the boys could be
reached he went when necessary. He was held in honored esteem
by the soldier boys of Newton and in recognition of his services
and comforting sympathy, he was elected an honorary member of
McHolland Post, Grand Army of the Republic, No. 102, at Kent-
land, on May 6, 1880, — a distinction seldom conferred and which he
appreciated up to the day of his death.
Brook Soldiers' Monument and Tablet
No particular locality in Newton County can claim more credit
than any other in recruiting or furnishing men for the war, but
each inhabitant in all sections strove to do his whole duty as best he
could, considering his environments. But after the strife of war
was ended, and while many of those who had returned were yet
living, the Town of Brook can claim the distinction of being the only
locality in the county, at this writing (1916), where the names of its
"boys in blue'' are kept green. In the beautiful little park of that
town, near the spot where the first company of volunteers from the
county assembled to organize for the war, can be seen a granite
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264 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
monument of modest dimensions and design, bearing the names of
those who enlisted from its home township, Iroquois. This monu-
ment was dedicated September 15, 1909, and is more particularly
described in the chapter devoted to the Town of Brook.
On October 12, 191 5, there was installed in the public library of
the Town of Brook, a bronzed memorial tablet, upon which is in-
scribed in the same durable metal, the names of the original members
mustered October 12, 1861, as Company B, Fifty-first Regiment
Indiana Volunteers, in the old schoolhouse where now stands the
public library, a fitting receptacle for such a memorial. The tablet
was designed and dedicated to the public library by John Bennett
Lyons, one of the original members of Company B, as a free-gift
offering to perpetuate the memory of his comrades and the time and
place of the original muster for the war. The tablet is greatly
appreciated by his few comrades living and the friends and relatives
of those who have died, as well as the public generally, as an act of
unselfish patriotism on the part of Mr. Lyons.
The tablet was dedicated to its use by suitable and impressive
ceremonies on October 12, 1915. It reads as follows:
IN MEMORIAM
PRESENTED TO THE BROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY BY JOHN BENNETT LYONS,
BROOK, INDIANA, THIS EIGHTEENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, I915
This tablet is dedicated to the memory of the original members of
Company B, 51st Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry, it
being the first company enrolled in Newton County,
for the war of the rebellion from 1861 to 1865.
The original members of this company met at Brook, Indiana,
on the twelfth day of October, one thousand eight hundred sixty-one,
and organized their company by electing their company officers. The
school house where they met stood on the plot of ground where this
Library building now stands. This school house was built during
the summer of one thousand eight hundred fifty-four, being the first
school house built in Iroquois township with public funds. Iroquois
township at that time embraced the territory that is now included in
Washington, Jefferson, Grand and Iroquois townships.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
E. B. Collins, Regimental Surgeon
265
ROSTER OF COMPANY OFFICERS
David A. McHolland, Captain
Albert Light, ist Lieutenant
Adolphus H. Wonder, 2nd Lieu-
tenant
Jeremiah Sailor, Orderly Sergt.
William R. Lewis, Sergeant
Jira Skinner, Sergeant
Robert Barr, Sergeant
E. R. Arnold, Sergeant
J. F. Shafer, Corporal
Aaron Kenoyer, Corporal
J. D. Morgan, Corporal
G. E. Tiffany, Corporal
J. S. Hurst, Corporal
William Deweese, Corporal
Alvin Arnold, Corporal
Daniel Doty, Corporal
Samuel E. Yoeman, Fifer
John Higgins, Drummer
Kin Ferguson, Teamster
Burk, John
Bridgeman, John
Barkhurst, Robert
Bush, Isaac N.
Betchel, Samuel
Bigger, John
Branson, Jonathan
Board, William
Cornelius, Abraham
Clark, Samuel
Collins, William
Cashow, John
Crawn, Thomas
Denney, Reese
Dawson, Simley
Darroch, Daniel C.
Davis, Bartholomew
Ennis, James
Evans, Thomas
Ekey, Alexander
Feeley, John
Griffin, Patrick
Greer, John
Haney, George W.
Haney, William
ROSTER OF PRIVATES
Hawkins, Walter
Hershman, George W.
Hosier, Jacob
Harrington, James H.
Handley, Ezra C.
Howery, Henry
Helms, James
Hatfield, James
Harris, John T.
Ham, Ephraim G.
Johnson, Lemuel J.
Johnson, Isaac
Jackson, Eli
Kenoyer, James
Kelley, Leroy W. H.
Karnes, John
Lyons, Samuel
Lyons, Abel
Lyons, John Bennett
Lowthain, Cyrus
Lowe, John
Love, Robert
McKee, John
Mcintosh, Wm. J.
Mcintosh, Perry C.
Morris, Dennis
Meredith, Henry W.
Myers, Alexander
Mallatt, Charles
Manly, Martin V.
Nottingham, James
Olmstead, Starke
Pruett, Jonathan
Perigo, William
Reeves, William H.
Smytherman, Alfred
Smith, George W.
Smith, David G.
Smith, Benjamin J.
Staton, Jonathan
Scott, Thomas
Sherman, Edward
Sherman, John
Troup, Harry
Thomas, Harvey J.
Wilcox, William E.
West, Barden B.
Yeoman, Ira
266 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
It may be, as the years go by, that Newton County will erect to
the memory of its soldier boys of the Civil war generally, a suitable
monument at some point in the county, that future generations may
keep alive the memory and noble sacrifices of the fathers ; that love
of country and loyalty to that glorious red-white-and-blue emblem,
with its starry field of blue, as it waves over hill and dale as a
beacon light and hope of the future peace of the world.
Newton County's Roll of Honor
The following is a complete list of Newton County's soldier boys
who served in the Civil war, together with the names of those killed
in battle, or who died of wounds or disease while in service :
In the Ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry: Bloomer,
J. M., and Bartholomew, Fred.
Clark, Thomas M.; Catt, Edmund, and Cashaw, Thomas J.
Deardruff, John S., wounded.
Earl, William H., and Enfield, Christian.
Fry, Daniel.
Goddard, John D.
Hawkins, Geo. C.
Lynch, Charles W.
Maxwell, Theodore F., and Mooreman, Milton J.
Odell, Anthony.
Peck, William H.
Redding, Jefferson T.
Shaefer, Joseph; Smart, Adonijah; Smart, Isaac; Smith, Geo.
W. ; Strech, William M., and Sager, Jacob H.
Thornton, John H. ; Treadway, Ezra S., and Thomas, William.
Williams, Thomas, killed at Shiloh.
The Ninth Indiana Regiment was the first to leave the state for
the front and participated in numerous campaigns ; in the battles of
Green Brier, Virginia, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Perryville, Stone
River, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Atlanta,
Nashville and many others. It was one of the hard-fighting regi-
ments of the war.
In the Fifteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry: War-
ren, Horace K., captain Company H; Burton, James; Burton, Will-
iam ; Burton, Josiah H. ; Benjamin, Jerod S. ; Bartholomew, Luther
H. ; Baker, Ira W. ; Blue, John, and Bartholomew, A. J.
Deardruff, Geo. W.
Grant, John H., and Graves, William L.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 267
Hardesty, Geo. D. ; Hardesty, Joseph T. ; Hawkins, Warren T.,
and Hundershell, C.
Isaacson, John A.
Jones, Henry C. ; Jones, Moses A., and Jungling, John.
Kelley, Samuel; Kerney, Thomas, and Kennedy, William.
Lake, John R. ; Lafoon, Daniel K. ; Linton, John R., and Lansing,
Peter.
Marshall, Francis ; Madeon, Patrick ; Mulligan, John, and Mer-
shon, Chas.
Nothingham, Jacob, and Mulligan, John.
Powers, William E. ; Pugh, Isaac, and Plummer, Jackson.
Reed, Aaron ; Risley, William F., and Ruthledge, William V.
Scott, Madison C. ; Steele, Ira ; Smith, Thomas ; Stout, John ;
Spear, Chas. G., and Sager, David F.
Williams, Samuel ; Wishon, Henry ; Welch, George, and Warren,
Horace K, captain Company H.
The Fifteen Regiment participated in the Green Brier, Virginia,
Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga,
Nashville, and many other battles.
Company B, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry
Officers: Collins, Erasmus B., regimental surgeon; McHolland,
David A., captain, promoted major, promoted lieutenant-colonel;
Light, Albert, first lieutenant, died, Nashville; Wonder, Adolphus
H., second lieutenant, promoted first lieutenant, promoted captain,
died prisoner of war, Charleston, South Carolina.
Sergeants : Sailor, Jeremiah, orderly, promoted second lieuten-
ant, died Nashville; Lewis, Wm. R., promoted second lieutenant,
promoted captain ; Sinner, Jira ; Arnold, Edwin, promoted first
lieutenant; Barr, Robert.
Corporals : Shaefer, John F. ; Kenoyer, Aaron ; Morgan, John
D., promoted first lieutenant, promoted captain; Tiffiny, Geo. C,
killed, Columbia, Tennessee ; Alvin, Arnold ; Doty, Daniel ; Hurst,
Jeremiah S., killed, Columbia, Tennessee; Deweese, Wm., wounded,
died.
Musicians: Higgins, John, drummer; Yeoman, Samuel, fifer;
Ferguson, Kin, wagoner.
Privates: Burk, John; Bridgeman, John; Branson, John; Bark-
hurst, Robert, died ; Bush, Isaac N. ; Board, William, died Bowling
Green, Kentucky ; Bigger, John ; Bishop, Henry, wounded ; Betchel,
Samuel, died; Bailey, Lewis L. ; Bennett, Sylvester; Black, John S. ;
268 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Bennett, Thos. J., wounded, Nashville; Clark, Samuel; Coshaw,
John, killed, Days Gap ; Collins, Wm, wounded, Stone River ; Cor-
nelius, Abraham ; Crawn, Thos. ; Corn, James ; Christopher, John S. ;
Clifton, Chas. W. ; Cutsinger, Geo. ; Denney, Isaac ; Denney, Reace
A., wounded ; Dawson, Smiley, died ; Darroch, Daniel C. ; Davis,
Bartholomew ; Dodson, Jesse ; Davis, Chas. B. ; Ennis, James ; Evans,
Thos., died, Bowling Green, Kentucky; Eakey, Alexander; Edgings,
Moses; Esterling, Amos; Feeley, John; Fogarty, Jerry; Griffin,
Patrick, wounded, Corinth and Stone River ; Greer, John, wounded,
Nashville; Gwinn, John A.; Haney, Geo. W. ; Haney, William;
Hawkins, Walter; Hershman, Geo. W., died, Shiloh, Tennessee;
Hosier, Jacob, wounded ; Harrington, Jas. R. ; Handley, Ezra G. ;
Howery, Henry, died, Bardston, Kentucky ; Helms, James ; Hatfield,
Tames ; Harris, John T. ; Ham, Ephraim, died, Nashville, Tennesee ;
Horn, John T. ; Haney, Ephraim; Humphrey, Robert F., wounded,
Nashville, Tennessee; Howenstein, Geo. W. ; Haney, Levi, died;
Hayton, Geo. W. ; Hamilton, James ; Johnson, Lemuel J. ; Johnson
Isaac P. ; Jackson, Eli, died ; Johnston, Robert ; Jones, Francis, died ;
Kennoyer, James; Kelley, Leroy H. W. ; Karns, John, died, Nash-
ville ; Keenan, James ; Kilgore, Samuel D. ; Lyons, Samuel ; Lyons,
John Bennett ; Lyons, Abel ; Lowtain, Cyrus, wounded, Days Gap ;
Lowe, John ; Love, Robert, killed, Stone River ; Lynch, Chas. W. ;
Long, Elijah, wounded, Nashville; Landrum, Thos. F. ; Lunday,
David A.; Mcintosh, Wm. G., died, Nashville; McKee, John; Mc-
intosh, Perry C. ; McClain, Hiram G. ; McClintock, Edmond ; Mor-
ris, Dennis P. ; Merrideth, Henry W. ; Myers, Alex A., wounded,
Nashville; Mallett, Chas.; Maney, Martin V. ; Munson, John,
wounded, Nashville ; Myers, Albert ; Marsh, Warren ; Maxwell, John
N. ; Mesersmith, John D. ; Nothingham, James, died, Nashville ;
Olmstead, Stark, wounded, Nashville; Owens, James M., wounded,
Nashville ; Perrigo, William ; Pruett, Jonathan ; Quarterman, John ;
Reeves, Wm. H. ; Roney, Nonan, wounded, Nashville, Tennessee ;
Ryan, Michael ; Robinson, John ; Reed, Geo. W. ; Smith, Geo. W. ;
Smytherman, Alfred, died ; Smith, David G., died on march, Ala-
bama; Staton, Jonathan; Scott, Thomas; Sherman, Edward; Sher-
man, John; Smith, Benjamin Y. ; Staford, Tyler; Staford, Henry;
Troup, Harry, killed, Nashville ; Thomas Harvey J. ; Throughaman,
Wm. W., wounded ; Tyler, Joseph ; Tegart, James ; West, Barden ;
Wilcox, Wm. J. ; Wheeler, H. P. ; Yeoman, Ira, killed, Nashville.
The Fifty-first Regiment participated in the battles of Shiloh,
siege of Corinth, Stone River, Perryville, Blunt's farm, Days Gap,
Alabama. Made prisoners of war May 3, 1863, near Rome, Georgia,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 269
as the result of failure of "Streight's Raid" into Alabama. All officers
sent to Libby Prison, the rank and file paroled. Exchanged in
November, 1863; re-entered active service without commissioned
officers. Lieut.-Col. John M. Comparet from the Fifteenth
Regiment placed in command ; thereafter participated in the battles
of Mission Ridge, Franklin, Columbia and Nashville. Their colonel,
A. D. Streight, having escaped from Libby Prison, joined his regi-
ment during the battle of Nashville and was assigned to the com-
mand of a brigade.
In this connection the farewell address of Maj.-Gen. Thomas
J. Wood to the regiment which he organized at Indianapolis, in
November, 1861, and commanded until August, 1865, is reproduced.
One of the original leaflets has been jealously preserved by John
B. Lyons. It reads as follows :
"Head Quarters 3RD Division, 4.TH Army Corps
"Green Lake, Texas, August 24.TH, 1865.
"Soldiers : An order assigning me to duty in another depart-
ment dissolves our official relations. It is therefore necessary that
I take leave of you. Had it been consistent with the views and
orders of the government I should have greatly preferred conducting
you to a rendezvous near to your homes, there to have seen you mus-
tered out of the service, and bidden you a final adieu. It is ordered
otherwise, and, as good soldiers, we must submit cheerfully and
perform with alacrity whatever duty is imposed on us.
"Your military career has been glorious. You can retrospect the
history of your participation in the war for the suppression of the
atrocious rebellion with the proudest satisfaction; unalloyed by
any feeling of regret or sorrow, save that which you feel for the
brave comrades who fell on the battle field, or who have been disabled
or maimed for life. To the bereaved and afflicted I am sure you
will ever extend the cordial sympathy of gallant soldiers.
"As a right fairly won you can blazen on your banner a long
roll of the proudest historic names — names that symbolize some of
the hardest fought fields and grandest victories of the war. Your
fair fame as soldiers will be the richest legacy you can bequeath to
your posterity. It will be a priceless inheritance.
"Soldiers ! Remember that as you have been the preservers of
our nationality in the great and terrible war, you must consider your-
selves the custodians of our national honor and dignity and rights,
and be ready to do battle for these great interests whenever they
270 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
may be imperiled, whether by a domestic or foreign foe. Having
asserted the principle of free government, in the suppression of the
rebellion, you must maintain it against all enemies.
"It is highly probable that I may chance in the future to meet
many of you in civil life, and I now request that if such should be
the case none of you will hesitate to make yourselves known to, me.
I make this request for the reason that the change produced in your
appearance by doffing the uniform of the soldier and donning the
attire of the citizen will prevent me from recognizing many of you.
It will afford me pleasure to greet any soldier who has served under
my command. Participation in common dangers, privations and
hardships, and the sharing of common triumphs have warmly
attached me to all of you and cause me to feel a deep interest in
your future prosperity. I can wish you no better fortune than that in
the peaceful vocations of civil life your career may be as prosperous,
successful and happy as your military career has been brilliant,
honorable and useful. To each one of you I bid a friendly good-by,
with the assurance that from my inmost heart goes forth a sincere
invocation for God's blessing on you. Soldiers, farewell !
"Th. J. Wood,
"Maj. General Vols."
In the Eighty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry :
Charles E. Triplett, Sr., M. D., regimental surgeon ; Broderick, John ;
Brown, George; Baker, David; Babcock, Robert; Evans, Benjamin
F. ; Fuller, John D. ; Jones, Morris A. ; Hough, William I. ; and
Hough, Calvin R., privates.
The Eighty-seventh Regiment participated in the battles Mission
Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Resecca, Georgia,
Franklin, Nashville, Atlanta campaigns, and Sherman's march to
the sea.
In the Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry : Ash,
Daniel, captain Company E. ; Moore, Samuel, first lieutenant ;
Shanner, Elias M., second lieutenant. Graves, James W. ; Bebout,
Abraham T., and Smith, George W., sergeants. Karnes, Stephen D. ;
Shidler, Carroll L. ; Darroch, Austin M. ; Wood. Clark A. ; Pumph-
rey, George O. ; Barker, John, and Rinker, William, corporals. Ash,
Soloman ; Atkinson, James ; Alexander, William H. ; Anderson,
Gustavus J. ; Anderson, James, and Airhart, William. Bartholo-
mew, George C. ; Bartholomew, Charles; Bartholomew, Abner;
Board, Sylvester; Board, Amasiah; Brown, John; Brown. William;
Burnes, James, and Brunton, Cyrus. Ernheld, Chris, and Emfield,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 271
John. Grant, Swan, and Griffiths, James. Houscheldt, Jacob;
Holliway, John ; Holliway, William ; Hooks, Joseph ; Hosier, Abner
C. ; Hornet, Jonas N., and Humphries, Evan L. Johnston, John,
and Jones,' Frances, E. Kennedy, Joseph ; Kelley, Hiram W., and
Kramer, Henry S. Laf orce, Paul ; Laforce, Joseph, and Lane,
David L. Martin, Benjamin ; Moore, Thomas C. ; Murphy, Andrew,
and Moore, John W. Patrick, William A. Reynolds, John, and
Roadruck, Benjamin F. Saunderson, Andrew J.; Shidler, Elmore
J. ; Shriver, Solomon ; Sheafer, Joseph ; Skuggs, Sanford H. ;
Scuggs, Newton ; Sarver, John C. ; Starkey, John, and Starkey,
Thomas (color bearer). Thornton, Thomas L. ; Thomas, Morris;
Thompson, Young, and Thomas, M. L. Vannatta, George O., and
Vannatta, William T. Wyatt, John D. ; White, Levi ; Wilson, Wil-
liam; Webber, Jacob; Wrebster, Daniel A., and Webster, Glessner.
Young, Andrew S., and Yeoman, Asa.
The Ninety-ninth Regiment was active in many campaigns, par-
ticipating in the siege of Vicksburg, and Atlanta campaigns, and the
battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Decatur, Fort McAllister, Jackson,
Mississippi, and Chattanooga, and marched with General Sherman
to the sea.
In the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry: Officers Company A: Bissell, James, captain,
killed ; Blessing, Joseph, second lieutenant ; Haskell, Gardner K., pro-
moted second lieutenant ; Hawkins, George C, and Branson, Jere-
miah, re-enlisted, sergeants. Sherwood, William ; Myers, Basett A.
Scott, Anthony L. D. ; Smith, Leonard W. ; Lyons, Abel ; Collyer
Wilson; Scott, Anderson W., and Ham, Martin L., corporals
Bishop, Daniel ; Board, William T. ; Burns, William ; Boyd, George
Brooks, John W. ; Bell, Jonathan ; Beard, William ; Brensholts
D. P.; Bridgemen, George M. ; Brensholts, Orlando; Bridgman
Joseph O. ; Bradfield, Theodore; Carmichael, N. W. ; Crane, J. B.
Chillers, Harvey B. ; Corn, John T. ; Clark, Warren ; Crawford
Samuel ; Drake, Joseph N. ; Dexter, David ; Dewey, Joseph ; Frank-
enberger, Charles; Glaspy, John; Green, Stephen; Garrison, George
Glaze, John ; Holt, Nicklos ; Hoffman, George ; Harrington, Alonzo
Hand, Richard ; Ham, Martin ; Harrington, Daniel ; Headley, Silas
Johnson, Lemuel J. ; Kessler, Ephriam J. ; Kight, John W. ; Kessler
Alonzo ; Lyons, Abel ; Lamb, James J. ; Louthain, Joe H. ; Lowe
James H. ; Line, Felix M. ; Maxey, John W. ; Murphy, James M.
Metts, Thomas ; Musson, Charles ; Morse, James W. ; Malonay,
James A. ; Odle, William ; Ottenwalter, Michael ; Odle, John ; Pat-
terson, Joseph M. ; Percell, C. B. ; Pagett, James ; Reynolds, Jack-
272 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
son ; Smith, Joseph A. ; Stroup, Lewis ; Scramblin, George ; Story,
George R. ; Smith, William T. ; Sherwood, William ; Scott, Ander-
son ; Scott, A. L. V. ; Stevens, Peabody ; Veatch, William L. ; Van-
f osson, James C. ; Vaughn, John ; Williams, Phillip ; Yeoman, Ira,
and Yeoman, Alva, privates.
The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment participated in
the battles of Resaca, Lost Mountain, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia,
Kenesaw Mountain, Dallas, Georgia, Franklin, Nashville, and many
others.
In the One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry :
Archibald, George W. ; Arnedt, Christian ; Baker, George W. ; Bart-
man, Soloman ; Crisler, Charles L. ; Covert, James W. ; Goodale,
Joseph F. ; Garrard, Henry ; Harris, Jordan ; Holliday, William P. ;
Holliday, John C. ; Harrington, John ; Holliday, Charles B. ; Jar-
rard, H. H. ; Kenoyer, Elijah; Luster, Stanton; Myers, Benjamin
E. ; Myers, John F. ; Myers, James G. ; Ransey, James A. ; Runion,
Freeland S. ; Smith, John W. ; Stanlet, Jesse, and Whaley, John F.,
privates.
The One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment participated in the
campaigns in Tennessee (1864-5) '> battles not mentioned.
Scattering names of Newton County boys in other regiments:
Fifth Cavalry : Clark, G. W. ; Learning, Cyrus ; Howenstein,
Josiah ; Harrington, Alvin ; Kercher, Henry.
Twelfth Cavalry: Ash, Henry; Fleming, William; Graves,
Daniel M., captain Company K ; Graves, Albert S. ; Graves, E. L. ;
Fell, Mahlon; Mashino, Fred; Seaton, Thomas; Strohm, John;
Starndrige, Elijah; Ade, Joseph, Sixth Ohio; Hatch, Jethro A.,
surgeon, Thirty-sixth Illinois; Burton, Thomas W., One Hundred
and Thirty-seventh Indiana; Creek, Albert, Twentieth Indiana;
Creek, William, Tenth Indiana ; Creek, Calvin, Tenth Indiana ; Ross,
Charles E., Eighth Illinois Cavalry; Odel, Eliash, Nineteenth Cav-
alry; Schofield, J. S., Fifty-seventh Indiana; Pierce, Samuel, Sev-
enty-sixth Illinois ; Vayett, John, Fourth Illinois Cavalry ; Waling,
Charles, Sixty- fourth Illinois; Evans, Jonathan, Tenth Indiana;
Wilson, William, Tenth Indiana; Staton, Joseph, Seventy-sixth
Illinois ; Zobroski, Joseph, Forty-eighth Indiana.
Gave Their Lives in the Service
Names of Newton County boys who were killed or died of
wounds or from disease, while in the service, 186 1 to 1865 (regiment
given in preceding pages) : Arehart, William, died; Burton, Josiah,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 273
died, Nashville, Tennessee; Blue, John, died, Huntsville, Alabama;
Bartholomew, A. J., died, Nashville; Barkhurst, died, Nashville;
Board, William, died, Lebanon, Tennessee; Bloomer, John M., died,
Cheat Mountain; Brown, William, died, Memphis, Tennessee;
Bartholomew, G. C, killed, Atlanta, Georgia ; Bartholomew, Abner,
died, St. Louis ; Bissell, James, captain, killed, Franklin, Tennessee ;
Branson, Jeremiah, killed, Atlanta, Georgia ; Bartholomew, George,
killed, Atlanta, Georgia ; Bechtel, Samuel, wounded, died, Nashville,
Tennessee; Bartholomew, Addison J., died, Huttonville, Virginia;
Cashow, John, killed, Days Gap ; Catt, Edmund, died, Mound City ;
Clark, Thomas M., died, Readyville; Creek, Albert, killed before
Richmond, Virginia; Dawson, Smiley, wounded, died, Stone River;
Dunham, David, died, Black River; Earl, William FL, died, Cheat
Mountain, Virginia; Evans, Thomas, died, Bowling Green, Ken-
tucky ; Griffith, James, died, La Grange ; Griffin, Patrick, died from
wounds, Corinth and Stone River; Hershman, George W., died,
Shiloh, Tennessee ; Howery, Henry, died, Bardston, Kentucky, first
soldier in Fifty-first; Ham Ephriam, died, Nashville, Tennessee;
Haney, Levi, died, Madison ; Horner, Jonas L., died, Mosco, Ten-
nessee ; Holliway, William, died, Mosco, Tennessee ; Horner, James,
died, Mosco, Tennessee; Hurst, Jeremiah S., killed, Columbia, Ten-
nessee; Hough, Alfred, died, Stone River; Jackson, Eli, died, Louis-
ville, Kentucky; Jangling, John, died, Stone River; Jones, Francis,
died, Jeffersonville ; Kearney, Thomas, killed on march; Kessler,
Ephriam, died, Nashville ; Karnes, John, wounded, died Nashville ;
Light, Albert, first lieutenant, died, Lebanon, Tennessee ; Lansing,
Peter, killed. Mission Ridge; Laforce, Daniel K., killed, Mission
Ridge ; Love, Robert, wounded, died, Stone -River ; Kelley, Hiram
W., killed, Atlanta ; Laforce, Joseph, died, Camp Sherman ; Lauthain,
Cyrus, wounded. Days Gap, died ; Maddon, Patrick, killed, Stone
River; Moore, John W., died, La Grange, Tennessee; Murphy,
Andrew, died, Nashville; Mcintosh, Wm. G., died, Nashville;
Nothingham, James, died Nashville ; Nulligan. John, killed, Bradys
Gap ; Reed, Aaron, died, Stone River ; Redding, Thomas, killed,
Shiloh ; Rinker, William, died, Rome, Georgia ; Sailor, Jeremiah,
second lieutenant, died, Nashville, Tennessee ; Starkey, John, died,
La Grange, Tennessee; Strench, Wm. M., killed, Shiloh; Smart,
Adonijah, killed, Chickamauga; Scott, Madison, killed. Mission
Ridge; Shaefer, Joseph, died; Smith, David G., died on march;
Saunderson, Andrew, died ; Troup, Harry, killed, Nashville ; Tread-
way, E. S., killed, Mound City; Tiffiny, George E., killed, Columbia,
Tennessee ; Thompson, Young, died, St. Louis ; Thomas, William,
274 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
killed, Shiloh; Wonder, Adolphus H., captain, killed, Charleston,
South Carolina, as prisoner war; Wishon, Henry, killed, Mission
Ridge; White, Levi, killed, Memphis, Tennessee; Wyatt, John,
killed, Memphis, Tennessee; Webber, J., died; Yeoman, Ira, killed
Nashville, Tennessee.
"Out of Reach"
Newton County's "Roll of Honor" may be appropriately con-
cluded with the following unpublished poem, ("Out of Reach")
written by James Whitcomb Riley and found among his manuscripts
after his recent death.
"They — 'Out of Reach', our loyal dead?
They have forged on, but I deny
Your Out of Reach — be comforted —
Nor can they be so far ahead —
It is not far to die.
"Only the memory of their smiles
In their last charge, each cheering each,
By their last rapturous look and speech
They wait for us, thousands of miles
This side of 'Out of Reach.' "
CHAPTER XX
KENTLAND, THE COUNTY SEAT
The Original Frontier Town — Struggles for a Distinctive
Name — Improvements in 1865-70 — Great Fire of December,
1870 — A Series of Destructive Fires — Ultimate Result,
Substantial Town Improvement — Public School Burned —
Destruction of McCray-Morrison Elevator — Water and
Electric Light Supply — Public School System — The Car-
negie Public Library — Kentland Woman's Club — Warren
T. McCray-^Kentland's Material Standing — Discount and
Deposit State Bank — Kent State Bank — Kentland's First
Newspapers — Newton County Enterprise — Newton County
Democrat — Early Kentland Churches — United Brethren
in Christ — The M. E. Church — St. Joseph's Catholic
Church — The Presbyterian and Christian Churches —
Secret and Benevolent Bodies.
Kentland, the judicial and political headquarters of Newton
County, is a fine, well-built town of some 1,400 people, located in
the rich and beautiful Grand Prairie country south of the Iroquois
River. Its streets are compact, clean and broad and its transporta-
tion conveniences, through the Pennsylvania and the New York
Central systems, are all that could be desired, whether considered
from standpoints of passenger or freight traffic.
Abundance of good water under municipal control, electric light
and power readily obtained through a private corporation, up-to-
date schools, a public library, two banks, two newspapers, and
churches and societies to meet every intellectual, moral and spiritual
requirement, make Kentland a most desirable place of residence.
The homes of not a few of its citizens are elegant in their archi-
tectural effects and landscape surroundings, and would be creditable
to metropolitan communities much larger than Kentland.
275
276 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
The Original Frontier Town
The founding of the county seat by Alexander J. Kent, who
platted it in April, i860, has been described. The original town
comprised eighteen blocks, the northern boundary of which was
marked by Dunlap Street. Proceeding south, the east-and-west
streets were Graham, Seymour, Goss, Allen and Owen.
Struggles for a Distinctive Name
The original name of the town was Kent, but as there was
another village by that name in the state considerable annoyance
was experienced in receiving mail, and the name was subsequently
changed to Kent Station. This did not prove satisfactory to the
postoffice department and in December, 1863, the postoffice was
called Adriance. For several years the postoffice and the town bore
different names, which also was the cause of much confusion, and
when the village was incorporated in 1868 it was proposed to christen
it as Kentville. Even that name was not generally considered dis-
tinctive enough and, through the local press, proposals were invited
for something better. Among those who responded was Hon.
Schuyler Colfax, who had represented the county in Congress and
was then a candidate for the vice presidency on the republican ticket,
with Grant ; he proposed Kentland, and thus it has been ever since.
Slow Growth as an Infant
When Kentland was chosen as the county seat the railroad hands
were the sole occupants of the village site. William Service and
Michael Coffert erected the first shanties, and Mr. Kent and J. B.
Chesebrough, his old California partner, lived near. Early in the
year i860 William Ross came and erected the first building, save the
shanties alluded to ;• he was soon joined by John Peacock, Oscar
Phelps and Isaac Beyea, who occupied Mr. Ross' store as a residence.
There was no boarding house, hotel, nor even women to take charge
of die culinary department, and the gentlemen maintained bachelor's
hall while pioneering the way for the future city. During this
spring Mr. Kent erected a store and a hotel building, in the latter
of which Sylvester Root opened a much-needed boarding house and
hotel. Orris King put up a building and opened a store here in
the same spring. A building was erected by Joel Anderson, also
for a store, but was occupied the first six months by the court
officers.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 277
The village at this time gathered about Seymour Street, which
passes through the village along the north side of the railroad, and
presented the appearance of a frontier town of today. The railroad
had been completed through the village the preceding December.
There was no station there as yet, and not a lantern at command,
and it is said that one individual who wished to board the train gath-
ered a quantity of prairie grass and fired it to attract the attention
of the engineer. One of the evidences of the growing importance
of the town was the appointment of an agent and the regular stopping
of the trains. People called to Kentland by election to county office,
or by the opportunities for business, made a spirited demand for
houses, and business of all sorts manifested considerable activity.
In the following year, the courthouse and the United Brethren
Church were added, and thenceforward to 1865 the growth was
steady and of a substantial character. The number of business
houses was not large, but each had a satisfactory patronage. Mr.
Kent was the animating spirit of the business activity, and gradually
enlarged the scope of his operations.
Improvements in 1865-70
From 1865 to 1870 the growth of the village was characterized
principally by the improved character of the buildings, which in
new structures began to take on the appearance of permanent, sub-
stantial edifices, the display of taste bespeaking the prosperous con-
dition of the builder. In 1866 McCullough's addition to the town
was made, and Kent's northern addition, which added 123 lots to the
town. In 1868 the village was incorporated, with A. J. Kent, S.
Root and G. W. Arnout as trustees ; J. Z. Johnston, assessor and
clerk ; Joseph Blessing, marshal and treasurer.
Great Fire of December, 1870
In 1870, according to Kentland's first census, the population of
the thriving village was 802, but on the 13th of December of that
year it was visited with a destructive fire that blotted out most of
the business buildings. The Gazette, issued on the 24th, gives this
account of the calamity: "The fire originated in the upper story of
Mr. Kent's building and is believed to be the work of an incendiary.
Our neighbor of the Democrat thinks, and with some reason, that
the criminals whom Constable Mike Coffert let run away from Jus-
tice did the work. However this may be, there is much reason for
278 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
believing that the building was purposely set on fire, as the flames
were first seen as much as fifteen feet from any chimney or flue, and
burned through the east side of the house before it was seen in the
roof. The Masonic Lodge was in session in the same building on
the same floor, and just north of where the fire originated. The
lamp, which was kept burning on meeting nights half way up the
stairs, was blown out by some one, the incendiary, doubtless, who
entered the building up the same stairway, and did this to conceal
himself from easy observation.
"The fire was discovered at half past 8 o'clock at night, and by
1 1 o'clock it had swept away more than a dozen business houses. A
smart west wind aided the flames, and they leaped and hissed to the
end without hindrance.'' The whole loss was estimated at $100,000,
in individual sums of $200 to $30,000. One loss of $2,300 was by
Doctor Tichenor, who had received it by express too late to place it
in any safe. He had, therefore, put it in his trousers pocket, and
piled wood upon them in his office to secure it against the possi-
bility of a thief. In the excitement of the fire, while succeeding in
saving all his office furniture, he forgot his greenbacks until they
were gone beyond recovery. Most of the business men replaced their
buildings at once, E. G. Smith, the druggist, putting up a new building
and doing business on the old spot in thirty hours after the fire."
The fire, while causing a heavy loss of property, there being no
insurance, effected an advantageous change in the character of the
town. Business gradually went to Third Street, from Seymour to
Dunlap, and with renewed vigor began to replace the losses occa-
sioned by the fire. Two or three years after the fire, some good
brick business blocks were erected, and in 1880 the town had not
only recovered its loss, but had doubled the amount of business
transacted.
Its population was then 982, and within the decade which had
passed since the fire another addition had been made to the town,
Kent's Block 22.
The rich farming country which surrounded the village had
attracted buyers, and the village had grown into a valuable shipping
point, which gave business to three extensive elevators. Public
improvements had not been neglected ; a system of good sidewalks
was found reaching to every part of the village, and coal-oil street
lamps on every corner served to mark the crossings on a dark night.
After the serious experience of 1870, there was considerable
agitation on the subject of securing some apparatus with which to
fight a widespread fire. Many of the business men procured "ex-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 279
tinguishers," which served a valuable purpose on several occasions,
and the town finally procured a hook and ladder apparatus. There
was no regularly organized company, however, and lulled into a
false feeling of security, the ladders became scattered, and the
wagon rotted down in its tracks or was spirited away. A hand fire
engine was actually brought to the village and tested, but it did not
give satisfaction, and it was returned to the owners.
A Series of Destructive Fires
The second large fire was that of April 5, 1883, and as more than
twenty buildings were destroyed, including most of the business
houses, the Grand Army of the Republic and Masonic halls, and
the printing office of the Newton County News, it was a sweeping
calamity to the town. The money loss was over $80,000, on which
there was only partial insurance.
In December, of the following year, the east side of Third
Street was again swept away by the flames, and in July, 1888, the
property at and around the Pennsylvania Depot, which heretofore
had escaped, was destroyed by fire. This destruction included the
depot and about twenty freight cars and the Brown and Bringham
elevators. The Smith and Kent Block, on the present postoffice
corner, was burned in February, 1889; a year afterward a number
of stores were burned and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
lodge rooms destroyed; in August, 1890, the Farmers Alliance
Elevator, south of the railroad tracks, was entirely burned, and in
1893 Williams & Company's machine shop, with minor buildings,
was destroyed.
Naturally, such a fire record was rather discouraging to the terri-
torial expansion of Kentland ; so that for more than twenty years
only one addition was platted — the Graves addition of March, 1894.
In May, of that year, several business houses were destroyed by
fire, including the Harnish Building, the upper floor of which was
occupied by the Knights of Pythias.
Cummings' addition to the town site was platted in October, 1895.
Ultimate Result, Substantial Town Improvement
Such fires as those mentioned seemed, at the time of their occur-
rence, as events little short of calamities, but the citizens of Kent-
land believed so firmly in the advantages of the town's location, in
the substantial wealth of the surrounding country, and in their fine
280 JASPER AXD NEWTON COUNTIES
railroad advantages, that they rebuilt on a more substantial scale
than before the fires had leveled their properties. The ultimate
result was a newer, cleaner and more attractive place, and the
establishment of a waterworks system, which, with subsequent im-
provements and extensions, has greatly added to the town's ability
to protect itself against fire.
Public School Burned
But even with its waterworks and improved apparatus connected
with the regular fire department, neither Kentland nor any other
Public School, Kentland
town has been immune from that menace. In January, 1902, the
Kentland Public School, which had been erected in 1871 at a cost
of $23,000, was burned to the ground, but a better and more modern
structure soon replaced it.
Destruction of McCray-Morrison Elevator
Then, in April, 1910, the grain elevator owned by McCray.
Morrison & Company, south of the Pennsylvania track and east of
Third Street, was totally destroyed, with its contents, some 57,000
bushels of grain. The entire property wiped out was valued at
about $75,000, upon which there was an insurance of $55,000. In
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 281
money value, it was the most destructive fire which Kentland ever
experienced, and, although confined to the elevator property, it
threatened to be more widespread. Blazing firebrands were driven
over the entire business and residence districts by a southeast gale,
but the plentiful supply of water then available, with the work of
the fire company and volunteers, prevented the spread of the flames.
Since 1900 the town site of Kentland has been increased by the
Fair Ground addition, May 7, 1902.
Water and Electric Light Supply
The first pipes for the conveyance of water, both for domestic
and public purposes, were laid in 1896 and the present standpipe or
elevated tank was erected at the same time. In October, 1910, the
present municipal system was established. The main water supply
was originally obtained from a well more than 1,300 feet in depth;
but at present is supplied by two wells only 85 feet in depth.
A substantial power house has been erected ; adequate pumps and
other machinery installed; an underground reservoir of 17,000 gal-
lons capacity constructed, and a pretty little park laid out around
the plant. One of its features is a glass-domed pavilion, in which
plays a cascade of water drawn from the wells and discharged into
the reservoir beneath. At the present time the capacity of the
Kentland waterworks is 432,000 gallons every twenty-four hours.
The distributing system includes three miles of mains. The plant at
the Waterworks Park includes 1 70-horsepower boiler, 1 horizontal
compound pressure pump, 2 deep well pumps, 2 10-inch wells 85
feet deep, 1 underground storage reservoir with a capacity of
17,000 gallons, and standpipe elevation 85 feet above ground, 105
feet to top of tank, with capacity of 47,000 gallons. The total value
of the waterworks, including power house and equipment, real
estate and the distributing pipes, is $30,000. Since 1910 the plant
has been self-sustaining, and in addition thereto affords to the
municipality some revenue.
The electric light and power, used so generously in Kentland, is
supplied by the Interstate Public Service plant.
Public School System
As stated, the Kentland Public School building now occupied,
was completed in 1902, the old structure having been destroyed by
fire during the same year. The total enrollment in 19 16 was 300 —
282 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
88 in the high school and 212 in the grammar and primary grades.
Nine teachers are on the staff, of whom C. E. Vinzant is superin-
tendent of schools and D. K. Frush, principal. H. L. Sammons is
president of the board of education; A. D. Washburn, secretary,
and T. H. Dixon, treasurer. Mr. Vinzant has been superintendent
for seven years, and was preceded by J. C. Dickerson for three years.
The Carnegie Public Library
Kentland has an attractive public library, erected under the
usual Carnegie plan. The enterprise originated with the Woman's
Club, in January, 19 10. That old, useful and elevating organiza-
tion collected a number of books and first established them in the
lodge rooms of the Knights of Pythias; afterward the collection
was moved to the courthouse basement. For about two years, the
club maintained this small library, opening it to the public once a
week.
In this preliminary work, Warren T. McCray was most prom-
inent, and through him the Woman's Club obtained the gift of
$10,000 frOm Carnegie. The tasteful building, which now houses a
library of about 2,400 volumes, was dedicated January 25, 1912. It
was completed at a cost of over $11,000, and since its dedication the
librarian has been Miss Delia Kirkpatrick.
The Kentland Woman's Club
The mention of the Kentland Woman's Club, as the founder of
the public library, calls for a more extended notice of that body of
earnest women who have done so much for their home town. It
was organized in March, 1896, as a literary club, with a membership
limited to twenty-five which, a few years afterward, was raised to
thirty. Soon after performing the gratifying work in the founding
of the library, the Woman's Club advanced the limit of its member-
ship to seventy and greatly enlarged the scope of its activities. Its
work was divided into the departments of literature, civics and
music, and, under those heads, it has proved a strong and constant
uplifting force in the community.
The Woman's Club celebrated its twentieth birthday, in March,
1916, at the home of Mrs. W. T. McCray. Mrs. Carrie Kirkpatrick,
who was its first president, was chairman of the committee on
arrangements for the birthday party. Its present officers are : Mrs.
James W. (Adda V.) White, president; Miss Ardis Ade, vice presi-
The Carnegie Library Building
284 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
dent ; Miss Ruth Higgins, secretary ; Miss Adah E. Bush, correspond-
ing secretary; Mrs. John W. Ryan, treasurer; Mrs. John G. Davis,
parliamentarian.
Warren T. McCray
Of late years, Warren T. McCray has, in a way, taken the place
of A. J. Kent as a public spirited citizen of broad and varied busi-
ness interests. Mr. Kent died in 1882, Mr. McCray being then a
young bookkeeper in the Discount and Deposit Bank, of which his
father, Greenberry McCray, was president. In 1889, after having
been in the grocery business for several years, he established a grain
trade in partnership with R. G. Risser, of Kankakee, Illinois, which
extended to several other points. In 1893 J. L. Morrison bought
Mr. Risser's interest, and the firm of McCray & Morrison, with
elevators at Kentland, Remington, Morocco, Beaver City and other
points, became widely known in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and else-
where in the corn and oats trade of the middle west. It alone gave
Kentland a standing as a leading grain center and the extensive busi-
ness controlled by the firm has also been behind the growth of the
Discount and Deposit State Bank, of which he has been president
since the death of his father in 19 13. In 1895 he assisted in the
organization of the National Grain Dealers' Association and was
chosen its president in 1897.
By marriage the members of the firm of McCray & Morrison are
identified with two of the county's leading pioneers, as Mr. McCray
married a daughter of John Ade and Mr. Morrison, a daughter of
A. J. Kent. Aside from his prominence as a grain dealer and a
banker, he has done much for the civic and public advancement of
Kentland. While he was a member of the village board, and largely
through his initiative, the electric-light system was installed, the
streets were macadamized, stone crossings were constructed and
other public improvements made which marked the commencement
of an advanced municipal corporation.
Kentland's Material Standing
Kentland's standing in trade and commerce is told by such signs
as the prosperous appearance of its stores, its large elevators oper-
ated by the Kentland and the McCray grain companies, and its two
banks.
DISCOUNT AND DEPOSIT STATE BANK
KENT STATE BANK
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 285
The Discount and Deposit State Bank
The oldest of the financial institutions is the Discount and
Deposit State Bank, which was organized as a private institution
(with the State omitted from the title) in 1873, by C. B. Cones.
In December, 1875, Greenberry W. McCray, who had become a
well-to-do farmer of Iroquois Township and a prosperous business
man of Kentland, during his residence of a dozen years in Newton
County; John Ade, who had resided at Kentland since i860 as a
county official, a farmer, a dealer in farm lands and a partner of
Mr. Cones in the grain business, as well as his cashier in the bank —
these two solid and influential men, with E. Littell Urmston, pur-
chased the Discount and Deposit Bank of Mr. Cones, which they
conducted under the firm name of Ade, McCray & Company until
it was organized as a state institution in 1908. Mr. Ade served as
its cashier until 1905.
When the bank was purchased in 1875 Greenberry McCray was
made its president. The institution owned large tracts of real
estate arid for many years Mr. McCray gave most of his attention
to the management and increase of its landed interests, at the same
time dealing in livestock and lands, personally. Thus both the bank
and its president prospered. Greenberry McCray remained at its
head until his death in 1913, when he was succeeded by his son,
Warren T., who had had a training in the bank as bookkeeper and
afterward, as noted, became prominent as a merchant, a grain
dealer and a land owner. Mr. McCray is still president. J. V.
Dodson is vice president, and Clyde Hurt, cashier. The bank be-
came a state institution in 1908 and has since been conducted under
its present title. The tasteful building occupied by the manage-
ment was completed in 1912. The capital stock of the Discount and
Deposit State Bank is $70,000; surplus, $30,000. and average de-
posits, $300,000.
Kent State Bank
Kent State Bank was founded December 14, 19 10, with Carroll
C. Kent, a son of Alexander J., as president; Angus D. Washburn,
vice president ; Arthur A. Bishopp, cashier, and Robert Coughlin,
assistant cashier. Besides Messrs. Kent, Washburn and Bishopp,
its original stockholders were Hume L. Sammons, John W. Ryan,
Otto P. Keesler, John Tally, Ephraim Sell, Perry Washburn, Clara
C. Burrell, Tames R. Chancellor, Mrs. Oscar Phelps. Mrs. L. K.
286 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Morrison, and Mrs. Mary L. Kent. Kent State Bank opened for
business December 27, 1910, with the officers mentioned, and there
has been no change in management since. The capital stock of the
bank is $50,000; surplus, $25,000, and average deposits, $230,000.
Kentland's First Newspapers
The local press of Kentland is represented by the Newton
County Enterprise and the Newton County Democrat. The former
is the successor of a number of other publications, the record of
which extended over a period of thirty years before the newspaper
adopted its present name, the Newton County Enterprise.
The first number of the Newton County Chronotype, the pioneer
newspaper of the series, was issued September 26, 1861, five months
after the organization of the county. V. B. Cowen was its editor
and Cowen & Schoonover, proprietors. In April, 1863, Bissell, Ade
& Ross bought the office, changed the name of the paper to the
Newton County Union, and until the following December conducted
it as a republican organ. Then H. Wyatt became editor and con-
tinued to act as such until March, 1864, when the paper suspended.
In February, 1865, Streight & Watson bought the office and until
the following May conducted the paper under the name of the
Newton County Gazette. It was then sold to J. H. Horrell & Com-
pany, who gave it another name, the Citizen. As there seemed to
be no special luck attending a new name, when H. O. Bowden pur-
chased the office and good will in February, 1866, he resumed the
title, Newton County Gazette, and thus it continued under successive
proprietors and editors for nearly twenty-five years. That period
of comparative stability was covered by McKernan & Horrell, O. P.
Hervey, D. S. McKernan, John B. Conner, J. M. Arnout, S. P.
Conner, John French, Edwin Graham, French & Conner, and French
& Bramble. During most of its existence the paper, under its
various names, had been republican, and has been consistently so
since 1867. In 1870 and 1883, while being published as the Gazette,
its office was burned.
The Newton County Enterprise
On April 30, 1891, John G. Davis and John W. Randall pur-
chased the Gazette from French & Bramble and changed its name to
the Newton County Enterprise. In the following year Mr. Randall
sold his interest to Harry Strohm, and for a few months the firm
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 287
name was Davis & Strohm. Shortly afterward, John G. Davis
sold his interest to Dodson Brothers, and the paper was published
by Strohm & Dodson until January i, 1908, when Charles M. Davis
became one of the proprietors. On that date the firm incorporated
under the title of the Enterprise Printing Company, under which
name and under the editorship of Charles M. Davis it is still con-
ducted (August, 1916).
The Newton County Democrat
The first issue of the Newton County Democrat is dated August
6, 1862, and bears the name of W. C. Rose as editor. John McCarty
~^j$Kggmg0qajK
Water-works Plant at Kentland
became its editor and proprietor in the spring of 1863, and con-
tinued as such until its temporary suspension in the fall of 1865. In
August, 1867, it resumed publication under W. C. Rose, its first
editor. In November, 1867, John B. Spotswood became editor and
owner, and in March, 1873, C. Root and Edwin Graham purchased
the newspaper and conducted it together for several months. Mr.
Root retired in June and Mr. Spotswood again assumed the editor-
ship.
The Democrat suspended in July, 1873, ar*d in August, 1874,
came forth as the People's Press, with John B. Spotswood and
W. L. Dempster as editors and publishers. In the following month
288 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Mr. Spotswood became sole editor and proprietor, but the fire of
1883 destroyed the plant and no effort was made to restore the
Press. The Newton County News, a democratic paper, started in
1881, was also destroyed beyond hope of revival by the same con-
flagration.
But on the 12th of September, 1884, the Democrat was resusci-
tated, with A. J. Kitt as publisher and editor. On February 13,
1885, John B. Spotswood, so long connected with the old Newton
County Democrat and the People's Press, became editor of the
Kentland Democrat, and retained control of the paper until his
death, October 11, 1893.
From that date until June, 1894, the paper was conducted by
the administrator of the Spotswood estate, with Edward Steinbach
as editor. It was then sold to Charles F. Wigmore, who conducted
it until November 17th of that year, when it was purchased by its
present editor and publisher, Edward Steinbach.
Early Kentland Churches
It is said that the first religious service in the Town of Kent
was held in the loft over the storeroom of Ross & Peacock, which
stood facing the railroad. A Baptist minister preached in that
"meeting house" a few times during the year i860.
After the Kent Hotel was completed, the United Brethren, under
Jacob Kenoyer, held services in the waiting room until their church
building was completed, and it was occasionally used by other de-
nominations, including the Methodists. Services were also held in
the courthouse, during the early '60s, by both Protestants and
Catholics.
The United Brethren in Christ
The first denomination to organize a church and erect a meeting
house in Newton County was that known as the United Brethren.
In 1836 Jacob Kenoyer came from Southeastern Indiana and settled
near Spitler's Creek, a northern tributary of the Iroquois. He was
then but a youth. His father. Frederick, and other members of the
family, arrived soon afterward and, with others, formed what for
years was called the Kenoyer Settlement. While Jacob Kenoyer
was still a young man he erected the pioneer sawmill and corn-
cracker in the county, as has been noted. But the religious con-
victions of both father and son were stronger than their business
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 289
instincts and they became widely known in Northwestern Indiana
and Northeastern Illinois as preachers and exhorters of the United
Brethren Church. The younger man became especially prominent,
and his death in 1870, in his forty-ninth year, was much deplored
by numerous settlers outside the church.
The first church of the United Brethren was built on the farm
of Frederick Kenoyer, probably in the late '30s, and soon after
Kentland was laid out he contributed to the organization of a
society and the erection of a building at the county seat. His son,
Jacob Kenoyer, was then at the height of his local fame and often
preached to the Kentland organization. George Myers and Robert
Edmondson, residents of the colony, across the Iroquois River from
the Kenoyer Settlement known as the Myers Settlement, were also
preachers of that denomination and gave Kentland the benefit of
their exhortations in the early period of the church there. But the
United Brethren gradually lost ground at the county seat, their
virtual dissolution being marked by the purchase of their building
by the Christian Church in 1876.
The Methodist Episcopal Church
In 1861, the year after the platting of the town, the Methodists
organized a class under Rev. D. S. Dunham, a circuit preacher.
Rev. Miles H. Wood also ministered to their wants, as a temporary
supply, and in 1864 Rev. E. W. Lawton located in town, preaching
to the congregation Sundays and working in Rettinger's shoeshop
during six days of the week. Rev. Isaac Sailor had charge in 1865,
although he was not located at Kentland ; then followed Revs. H. C.
Woodhams, Miles H. Wood, J. M. Blye and Charles W. Tarr. It
was during the pastorate of the last named, in 1870, that the society
erected its first house of worship. It was dedicated July 19th of
that year by John M. Reid, D. D., about $3,000 being raised on that
day on the church indebtedness of $4,000.
The building then dedicated, with subsequent improvements and
additional accommodations, was occupied by the First Methodist
Episcopal Church of Kentland until 191 1, when the handsome edifice
of the present was completed at a cost of $15,000. From 1872 to
1900 the church was served by Revs. G. W. Bower, Wilson Beckner,
Joseph Foxworthy, FI. N. Ogden, C. B. Mock, Wilson Beckner
(second term), W. G. Vessels, W. B. Slutz, G. R. Streeter, J. H.
Siddall, Samuel Godfrey, R. D. Utter, W. F. Clark, S. P. Edmond-
son, J. J. Claypool, Samuel W. Goss, A. T. Briggs, W. A. Matthews
Vol. 1—19
290 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
and W. R. Mickels. Since the year 1900 the following have been
in charge: Rev. J. C. Martin, Rev. C. A. Stockbarger and Rev.
R. O. Kimberlin.
St. Joseph's Catpiolic Church
St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Kentland originated in the
mission established at that place under Rev. J. A. Stephan, in 1864.
The Catholic families living in town and in the neighborhood of
Kentland had been visited, before that time, by Father George A.
Hamilton, of Logansport, but Father Stephan was the first settled
priest of St. Joseph's mission and the founder of the local church.
In 1864 the congregation erected a little wooden church, 24 by 40
feet. Father Stephan was succeeded by Rev. Anthony Messmann
in 1870, and he added thirty feet to the church building to accom-
modate the increasing attendance. Father Messmann's pastorate
continued until 1881, during which a brick parsonage and school-
house were erected. Rev. F. X. Baumgartner, who was in charge
from 1881 to 1883, added a sacristy, a belfry and a bell. Father
W. C. Miller served the church from 1883 to l^>91> and under his
ministry, in 1888, the present brick church was completed at a cost
of $8,000. The old church building was transformed into a school-
house and the old school and sacristy were made into a teachers'
dwelling. Rev. Charles A. Ganzer was pastor of St. Joseph's from
1891 to 1903, and since that year Rev. Charles V. Stetter has been
in charge. The present membership of the church is about 580.
The Presuyterian Church
The Presbyterian Church of Kentland was organized in 1867
by Rev. C. Palmer, of Watseka, Illinois, ten members forming the
original society. Rev. A. Jones preached for about two years,
services being held in the old courthouse, in Kent's Tavern and else-
where. In October, 1870, Rev. J. B. Smith was called to the
pastorate and really founded the church. A small frame meeting
house was built at a cost of about $1,000 and during the following
two years of Mr. Smith's service the church membership increased.
In 1872 Rev. R. E. Hawley was placed in charge, continuing as
pastor until 1875, and Rev. C. McCain served from 1875 to 1883;
Rev. Joseph McHatton, 1883-92; Rev. R. Hooke, 1892-95; Rev.
W. E. Price, 1895-98; Rev. James Cooper, 1898-1904; Rev. Howard
Billman and Rev. Chester W. Wharton, since 1904. The handsome
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 291
edifice now occupied, a brick structure, was completed in 1896 at a
cost of about $11,000.
The Christian Church
Previous to the organization of a regular society those who sub-
scribed to the faith of the Christian Church were obliged to be
content with transient preaching by Silas Johnson, S. M. Conner,
L. L. Carpenter and others. In March, 1876, the first Christian
Church of Kentland was organized and in the following May W. H.
Graham, Ezra B. Jones and John Ade were elected its trustees.
As such, they purchased the United Brethren meeting house,
adapted it to the wants of their society and occupied it until 1907.
On December 15th of that year the new and handsome building was
completed which has since been used. A parsonage was built in
1910. Under the pastorate of Rev. Elvin Daniels the membership of
the church is now about 260.
In the early existence of the church the pulpit was filled tem-
porarily by A. M. Atkinson, S. Rohrer, J. P. Davis and others.
Among those who have served as regular pastors may be mentioned
Rev. J. H. Edwards, Rev. John Ellis, Rev. L. M. McDermott, Mr.
and Mrs. Crank, Rev. Lewis Hotaling, Rev. H. A. Wingard, Rev.
J. L. Brady (1902-09), Rev. J. N. Cloe, Rev. J. Bennett, Rev. A. L.
West, and the present incumbent, Rev. Elvin Daniels, who has been
minister since January, 1914.
Secret and Benevolent Bodies
Kentland was without a lodge for seven years after it was
founded but on the 13th of May, 1867, a charter was granted by
the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, on the petition of eighteen
Master Masons of the Town of Adriance (as Kentland was then
called) for the organization of Newton Lodge No. 361, Free and
Accepted Masons. The first master of the lodge was Alfred Bre-
count; E. Littell Urmston, senior warden; Elem G. Smith, junior
warden. Three duplicate charters have been issued by the lodge,
made necessary by the destruction of all its records and property
by fire, as follows : December 13, 1870, April 5, 1883, and December
28, 1884. Since the fire of 1884, nothing has materially interfered
with the progress of the lodge, which has a present membership of
eighty-five. The worshipful masters of Newton Lodge No. 361 have
been Alfred L. Brecount, George N. Stewart, E. Littell Urmston,
292 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
William Perry (five terms), John Peacock, John Ade (five terms),
Frank M. Oswalt, John Z. Johnston, Robert F. Seal, J. A. Hatch,
John Higgins, Ephraim Sell (seven terms), C. C. Kent, White S.
Harbison, Charles W. McClain, Clermont Rider, Levi S. Rehard
and Egbert S. Hess.
Kentland Chapter No. 89, Royal Arch Masons, was organized in
January, 1873.
The Odd Fellows organized in May, 1872, by forming Kentland
Lodge No. 390, and the Knights of Pythias, in November, 1876, by
instituting Damon Lodge No. 72.
The Red Men and Knights of Columbus also have strong and
growing organizations.
CHAPTER XXI
GOODLAND
Originally Tivoli, a Railway Flag Station — First Business
Men and Additions — Grain Warehouses and Elevators —
Extensive Grain and Produce Trade — Increase in Popula-
tion and Area — Abundant Supply of Water and Light —
The Public Schools — Goodland's Two Banks — The Good-
land Herald — The Churches — The Lodges.
Goodland, a village of some 1,200 people at the junction of the
Pennsylvania and Chicago & Eastern Illinois lines, in the south-
eastern part of Newton County, is an index of the large area of
beautiful and productive country of which it is the trading and
financial center. It is a pretty, clean, substantial place, with good
water and light to conserve health and cheerfulness, and its public
park, a short distance from the business district and fronting its
large public school, is being nicely improved ; it is a reminder of the
several vigorous attempts made by the people of Goodland to snatch
county-seat honors from Kentland and have the courthouse planted
therein.
Originally Tivoli, a Railway Flag Station
Goodland and Kentland were founded as towns at about the
same time. When the Logansport & Peoria Railroad was opened
for traffic in the early spring of i860, a shanty was built near the
present Pennsylvania Depot for the section hands. This was made
a flag station and called Tivoli.
First Business Men and Additions
David Creek, his sons Moses and John, Blake Wilson, and John
and Charles Wilson, were living upon farms in the neighborhood at
that time. In the fall of i860, William Foster bought some 800
acres of land and built a store and warehouse on the north side of
293
294
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the railroad, in which his brother Timothy opened up the first busi-
ness house at this point. It served also as station house, postoffice
and rallying point for this section generally.
In 1 86 1, Timothy Foster laid out the Village of Goodland, which
consisted of forty-seven lots, with Jasper and an unnamed street
along the railroad, and Union streets, passing east and west, and
Newton and Benton streets crossing these at right angles. The
town made rather slow progress for five or six years, the surround-
ing lands finding little sale, and several crop failures adding to the
general depression. Good lands within two miles of the station
Business Street of the Present Goodland
could be bought at from $5 to $8 per acre that are now worth from
$25 to $50 per acre. In 1868, Abner Strawn, of Ottawa, Illinois,
commenced the purchase and sale of land, and brought a large num-
ber of buyers from his own and other sections of Illinois. These
attracted others, and lands advanced in price and sold rapidly ; the
country filled up and improved more in three years than it had in
the six years preceding. The village felt the new impulse, and in
1869, three additions were made to the original town site — the
Harris, Currens and Teay & Woods.
Grain Warehouses and Elevators
The class of farmers attracted to the surrounding lands were
men who had tried Illinois prairies, but attracted by these rich lands
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 295
adjacent to a good market, have been ambitious to improve their
property, the effect of which is seen in the fine farm property which
lays on every side of the village. Their preference for grain culture
built up a lively market in the village with mutual benefits. In 1870,
Osborne & Pierce erected a large warehouse, and a year later doubled
its capacity and added steam power and elevator machinery. Abner
Strawn, in the same year, erected a large corn elevator. Mr. Foster
added steam and improved machinery to his warehouse, and these
three elevators handled the bulk of the grain of southeastern New-
ton County for many years.
Mr. Foster sold his pioneer store to O. W. Church, who, in 1866,
received C. W. Hartley as a partner. Church & Hartley became a
familiar name to all the business men of Goodland and its vicinity.
For several years he had a monopoly of the grain trade. But a
number of his elevators burned, and eventually he sold his interests
to the Goodland Grain Company.
Extensive Grain and Produce Trade
The grain trade is still the mainstay of Goodland, its two
large elevators being at present controlled by Rich Brothers and
Hugh Murray. During the period of its development, which covers
more than forty-five years, the facilities for handling the large
crop of the surrounding district have improved continuously until
now the village stands high in that regard with the farmers, shippers
and business men of a large adjacent territory. That well known
fact has added greatly to its growth and standing as a trade center.
Goodland is not only a leading grain center of the state, but re-
ceives and ships large quantities of poultry, butter, eggs and wool,
and, though it makes no claims to industrial prominence, it takes
pride in the H. & D. plant, which manufactures automobile shock
absorbers. Its trade mark is "Aitchandee," the significance of which
a little study will fathom.
Increase in Population and Area
In 1868 Goodland was still only a small hamlet and railroad
station, with perhaps a score of buildings and less than 100 people.
About 1870 a substantial class of farmers from the Illinois prairies
commenced to settle at and around Goodland, attracted thither by
the fertility of the country, the reasonable prices of land and the
296 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
facilities for storing and shipping grain. The village received such
an accession of this immigration that by 1880, when its first regular
census was taken, it had a population of 620. It was 1,105 m I9IO>
and within the past six years there has been considerable of an
increase over those figures.
For the past forty-five years Goodland's municipal site has been
increased by the following additions : Foster's West addition, and
Crider's addition, April, 1872; Port Wilson addition, May, 1872;
John Wilson addition, August, 1872; Perry's addition, March, 1888;
Sapp's addition, April, 1889 ; Griggs & Babcock addition, May, 1892.
Abundant Supply of Water and Light
Perhaps the most noticeable public improvement of recent years
is the installation of a good system of waterworks. The work was
commenced in July, 191 5, and the town has now an adequate supply
of water for all purposes. It is drawn from three wells in the
southeastern part of the village, sunk to a depth of forty-five feet,
and stored in a large reservoir in that locality. The waterworks are
operated under what is known as the compression system and, with
power house and four miles of mains, cost about $22,000. Electric
light and power are furnished by the Interstate Public Service Com-
pany, which also supplies Fowler, Monticello and other points in
Northwestern Indiana.
In the establishment of the waterworks, as well as in the realiza-
tion of other public improvements, Goodland owes much to the
efforts of its Commercial Association.
The Public Schools
The first public school building at Goodland was erected in the
early '60s. It stood upon the site of the present three-story structure,
contained one room and faced north and south. About seventy-five
pupils were in attendance when it opened, some of them drawn from
a distance of several miles. In 1871 a small room was added to the
northeast, and in 1875 two additional rooms made it a sizable school.
In 1887, with the growth of the village, it was found necessary
to build a larger and more modern brick building. It was erected
on the site of the old one, a two-story brick, with four rooms on the
first floor and three, besides the superintendent's office, on the second.
It was a year and a half before the schoolhouse was completed and
the community was proud of it, as it was one of the most up-to-date
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
297
buildings of the kind in the county. In 1894 the Goodland institu-
tion was commissioned, the high school having been incorporated as
a part of a regular four years' course.
On January 21, 1908, the second Goodland schoolhouse was
entirely destroyed by fire, and while it was being replaced by the
present structure the scholars pursued their courses in temporary
rooms in the center of town. The new building, erected on the
foundation of the old, was completed in January, 1909. It is of
brick, three stories and basement in height, with four rooms on
the first floor, five on the second and one on the third ; rooms for
Goodland's Public School
athletics, manual training and toilet accommodations in the base-
ment. It is a handsome, massive building, and a credit to Goodland.
Nearly 300 pupils are trained within its walls under the general
superintendency of George N. Porter, who has been at the head of
the local public school system for the past eight years.
Goodland's Two Banks
The financial transactions of Goodland are conducted through
the First National and the State Trust and Savings banks.
The First National Bank was organized in August, 1905, with
Dr. B. W. Pratt as president and Mort Kilgore as cashier. Doctor
Pratt served as such until April, 1913, when he was succeeded by
298 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
J. W. Oswald, who is still president. There has been no change in
the cashiership since the organization of the bank. George H.
Smith is its vice president. The total resources of the First National
amount to about $317,000. It has a capital of $50,000 surplus,
$10,000; average deposits, about $180,000.
The State Trust and Savings Bank was chartered in December,
1912, and opened for business in the following January, with A. G.
Jakway as president ; T. T. Snell, vice president ; C. Oliver Holmes,
secretary and treasurer, and R. L. Weil, cashier. Present manage-
ment : James Bell, president ; J. T. Hamerton, vice president ; H. J.
Brook, cashier. The capital of the bank is $25,000; surplus, $2,250,
and average deposits, $100,000.
The Goodland Herald
The first newspaper published in Goodland was the Saturday
Herald, which was founded in 1877 by Ingraham & Keyes. It was
published for several months and then suspended. William C. Cop-
pock started another paper in 1878, and when his plant burned out
in September of that year A. J. Kitt, who had been employed on
the Coppock publication, founded what is now known as the Good-
land Herald. In December, 1882, the office was again swept by
fire, but in a few weeks the Herald was going forth as usual. There
have been several owners, but Mr. Kitt was connected with the
paper until 1908. In the spring of 1902, Henderson & Shepard
launched the Newton County Star, but in 1903 it was consolidated
with the Herald. On August 1, 1908, the Herald was purchased by
Will C. Logan, the present owner, who now occupies the ground
floor of the Masonic Building. The operating power of the plant
is furnished by electricity.
The Churches
The churches of Goodland, mentioned in the order of their
founding, are the Methodist Episcopal, the Presbyterian, the Bap-
tist, the Lutheran and the Catholic.
The earliest records of the Methodist Church of Goodland bear
date of 1852, when the society was called Cherry Grove Class. In
i860 it was known as the Tivoli Class, and in 1863 when the name
of the railroad station was changed to Goodland the church became
known accordingly. Rev. George E. Deuel is now pastor of the
church, and has been in charge for a number of years.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 299
The Presbyterian Church was organized in November, 1866,
under the ministry of Rev. J. P. Patterson. In 1897 the brick
structure in present use was erected through the contribution of
members and friends. Rev. C. B. Johnson is the pastor now in
•service.
The Baptist Church was organized in July, 1867, under Rev. L.
Cool, its first services being held in the old schoolhouse. The first
house of worship was built in 1895 ; was burned and rebuilt the same
year. Rev. B. H. Truman is now pastor.
The Lutheran Church at Goodland was founded in 1875 by Rev.
Schlesselmann, who first preached in the houses of some of the
members. Three years afterward the present meeting house was
erected. Rev. Henry A. Paul is in charge.
In the year 1880 the nucleus of the Catholic Church at Good-
land, known as SS. Peter and Paul's, was formed by Father Anthony
Messmann. Services were first held in Brigham's Hall once a month
for a year. Then a small wooden church was built, which served for
twenty years. In November, 1902, was completed the large brick
building now occupied. The church is in charge of Father Hen-
neb erger.
The Lodges
With the exception of the Moose lodge, which is less than two
years old, the secret orders represented at Goodland are of long
standing. Goodland Lodge No. 445, Free and Accepted Masons, was
instituted in 1869; Goodland Lodge No. 346, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, in 1870; Western Encampment No. 126, of the same
order, in 1874, and Harmony Degree Lodge No. 108, in the same
year.
CHAPTER XXII
THE TOWN OF BROOK
Public Schools — The Brook Public Library — McKinley Park
and the Soldiers' Monument — The Pioneer Methodists-
Miss Ella Lyons' Story — First Church and School at the
Lyons House — Changes in Circuits — List of Pastors —
United Brethren Church of the Brook Circuit — The
Christian Church — The Welfare Club — History of Brook
Masonry — Knights of Pythias — The Independent Order
of Odd Fellows — -Modern Woodmen of America — The Bank
of Brook— The Brook Reporter — Pioneer Times in Town
and Township — Early Mills and Their Owners — Seven
Good Strong Men — Samuel H. Benjamin — Morris Lyons-
John Lyons — Old-Time History by John Hershman and
Morris Jones — Brook in 1856 — Mr. Hershman's Address —
Stove Without a Fireplace — Other Home Improvements —
Early Schools and Teachers — A Little Judicial and Civil
History — More About the Township Schools.
The Town of Brook, Iroquois Township, has now about 1,100
people, and is one of the most promising centers of trade and social
life in the county. Its actual accomplishments are also great, as
will be evident by the facts stated in this chapter. It has a substan-
tial bank (the Bank of Brook), a good newspaper (the Brook Re-
porter, Rich & Forsman, proprietors), three well-organized churches
and a creditable school ; the last-named, which enrolls 326 pupils,
under the superintendency of Fred Longwell. Its secret, social,
reformatory and benevolent societies, some of which are about as
old as the town, are also features of its life, which make it desirable
as a place of residence and all-around development.
No citizen of Brook is better qualified to write both of the pres-
ent and past of the town than John R. Hershman, who has con-
tributed the following to its history.
300
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Public Schools
301
"The history of Brook's school houses dates back to 1853 when
a small frame building eighteen by twenty-four feet was erected on
the site now occupied by the library building. It served as a school
house until 1865, when it was sold to John L. Bicknell who used it
for a dwelling about fifteen years when it was torn down and
moved away. In 1865 a school house twenty-four by thirty-six was
built on the ground where the monument now stands. In 1889 a
second story was added to this structure by W. P. Griggs, the
Township Trustee. The Brook school now had two teachers, and
an enrollment of eighty pupils.
Brook High School Building
"The rapid growth of the town and increased population soon
made it necessary to have more school room. The town was incor-
porated in 1894, and in 1895 erected a four-room brick building on
the ground where the present school building now stands. In 1898
the township purchased a one third interest in this building and the
grounds, thus forming a joint graded school which is still in opera-
tion.
"It soon became necessary to rent an extra room to accommodate
the increased population of the town. In 1903 and 1904 the school
board and the township trustee jointly erected the present school
building. The members of the school board were John P. Fox,
302 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Joseph Merchant and Edwin D. Zook; trustee, Edward Hess. The
building has a large assembly or high school room with two recitation
rooms and two grade rooms, superintendent's office and corridor
on the upper floor. The first floor has four grade rooms and corri-
dors. The basement has manual training room, domestic science
room, chemistry room, furnace and fuel rooms, toilet rooms and
corridors. It is steam heated and electric lighted and has a good
water supply. It also has an iron stairway fire escape.
"The manual training department is well equipped with benches
and tools. The domestic science room is furnished with good steel
range, eight electric hot plates, work tables, cooking utensils, cup-
boards, sink, a kitchen cabinet, dishes, chairs, two sewing machines
and a cutting table. The school received its commission as a high
school in 1906 under the superintendency of E. E. Vance. A class
of nineteen graduated in the school year 1915-16. Eleven teachers
are employed — three in the high school, six in the grades, one in
domestic science, and one in music and art. One more will be added
the coming year for the manual training department. The enroll-
ment the past year was, in the high school, seventy-three; in the
grades, two hundred forty-seven; total, three hundred and twenty.
The present superintendent is Fred H. Longwell who is serving in
his sixth year. Members of the school board are M. Foresman,
president ; Dr. T. E. Collier, secretary ; E. M. Thayer, treasurer, and
John R. Hershman, township trustee."
To the foregoing may be added facts obtained directly from
Superintendent Longwell, who fixes the approximate cost of the
1904 building at $26,000. E. E. Vance, the first superintendent
of the Brook schools, held that position four years ; was followed by
James Mcintosh, who was superintendent for two years, and Mr.
Mcintosh was succeeded by Fred Longwell, the present incumbent,
in 1911.
The Brook Public Library
"Brook Public Library was erected in 1914; architects, Brookie
and McGinnis, of Indianapolis, and Cory and Lathrop, of Brook,
contractors ; building committee, E. E. Hess, R. E. Hershman and
Frank Davis; cost of building, $7,000 and of grounds, $1,500; total,
$8,500. The grounds were paid for by individual subscription and
the building, from the Carnegie Library Building fund. The build-
ing is a substantial one made of shale-brick and roofed with slating ;
is fifty-two feet long by thirty-two wide ; has a basement with fur-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 303
nace and fuel room, an assembly room that will seat two hundred
and fifty, and a room in the southwest corner in which the town-
ship trustee has his office. The main floor consists of the library or
reading room thirty-two by thirty-six, and a ladies parlor or rest
room, a toilet and a librarian's office. It has the hot-water system
of heating, is electrically lighted and uses the town system for
water supply. The building stands on historic ground, as it occu-
pies the site where the first schoolhouse stood that was built in
Iroquois township with public funds in 1853 — this schoolhouse being
also memorable as the place where the first company of soldiers was
organized that went from Newton County to the Civil War. This
was Company B of the Fifty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers,
with David A. McHolland as captain.
"The library is financed by the town and township jointly from
a special tax levy. Under the management of a librarian the doors
are open to the public from one to six week days and, in addition
to this, the library is open on Wednesdayand Saturday evenings of
each week. Under a card system books may be taken from the
library by any resident of the town or township and retained for two
weeks. To persons living outside the township who desire to take
out books a membership fee of one dollar per year is charged. A
good set of reference books is available at all times, when the
library is open, to be used in the reading room only. There are now
in the library 2,026 volumes, besides periodicals and newspapers.
During the year 1915, 8,856 books were circulated.
"The library is controlled by a board of nine members com-
prising E. E. Hess, R. E. Hershman, Frank Davis, John Lyons, Jr.,
Mrs. Anna Reed, Mrs. Ida Lawrence, Mrs. T. E. Collier, Mrs. John
Foresman, Jr., and Mrs. Harry Bruner. The librarian is Miss
Ethel Reed.*
McKinley Park and the Soldiers' Monument
"In 1895 when it became necessary to erect a larger school build-
ing, a more desirable site was found necessary. This Messrs. Lyons
and Esson, who were platting the Lyons & Esson addition to the
town of Brook, offered to donate, provided that the old school
ground should be made into a public park. The terms were ac-
cepted. The old frame schoolhouse, which had done service since
1865 as schoolhouse, church, public hall and election room, was
sold, and moved onto the property of J. D. Rich on North street,
where it is now doing- service as a barn.
304 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
"The ground was planted to trees, graded, sown to grass and
walks of crushed stone made. A concrete archway stands at the
southwest entrance capped by a horizontal beam on which in raised
letters appears the name of the park given to it in honor of the then
newly elected president of the United States, William McKinley, in
1896.
"A concrete bandstand or pavilion stands near the center of the
park, which makes a fine speaker's stand and, as it is lighted by
electricity, it is used on Sunday evenings by the churches of the
town in the summer seasons for union services. Near the southwest
corner of the park facing the main entrance stands a fine granite
monument erected in honor and to the memory of the men and boys
who enlisted for soldiers in the war of 1861-65, who were living in
Iroquois Township at the time of enlistment; also soldiers of the
Civil War who have lived and died in this township and soldiers of
the same war who were living in this township at the time of the
erection of the monument. The names of all of the above and the
number of their regiments and name of State from which they en-
listed are engraved on the monument. Near the monument stands a
mounted cannon which was loaned to the monument committee,
through the influence and efforts of J. B. Lyons, by the war depart-
ment ; also, two pyramids of cannon balls, to be used as park orna-
ments and souvenirs of war. The erection of this monument came
about from a suggestion of John Hershman to Bennett Lyons on
the day following Decoration Day, 1909, to the effect that a tablet
or monument be placed in the cemetery with the names engraved on
it of all soldiers who had enlisted from Iroquois Township that were
killed in battle, or died during the war, and were buried in the south,
that their names should not be forgotten. The suggestion appealed
at once to Mr. Lyons' veneration for the fallen soldiers, and he pro-
posed that a larger monument than the one suggested be erected in
McKinley park, and that the names of all the soldiers of the Civil
War be engraved on it who had enlisted from Iroquois township,
or are buried in the Brook cemetery, and that he should contribute
$100 toward it himself. An informal meeting was called and the
plan suggested by Mr. Lyons adopted. There were present at this
meeting Thorp Beagley, Morris Jones, G. F. Merchant, A. M. Snyder,
J. B. Lyons, John Hershman and some others whose names are not
recalled. A monument committee was appointed consisting of
Thorp Beagley, A. M. Snyder and John Hershman, with instruc-
tions to raise a fund by subscriptions and secure plans for the monu-
ment. Donations were liberal and sufficient money was soon raised
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 305
and plans adopted, as Bennett Lyons and George Ade each donated
$150.
"The Cunningham Brothers of Brook secured the contract for
the concrete base at $125. The contract for the monument was le:
to Knox, Lynch & Company of Danville, Illinois, for $800. The
work was completed in due time, and the monument unveiled at a
reunion of the Soldiers of Newton County held at Brook, September
15, 1909. The Hon. E. D. Crumpacker, then member of congress
from the Tenth district, delivered the address. Near the monu-
ment stands an iron flag pole one hundred feet high, from the top
of which Old Glory may be seen floating on all patriotic occasions.
The Pioneer Methodists
"The Methodist Episcopal Church was perhaps the first religious
society to effect an organization in the neighborhood of what is
now the town of Brook.
"The first religious services recorded in the territory of what is
now Iroquois Township was held in the camp of a tribe of friendly
Indians who had a temporary home on the banks of the Iroquois
River. John Lyons, one of the earliest white settlers, who located
here in 1831, said that he had frequently attended these meetings.
It is not known to what sect they belonged, if to any.
"The late Aaron Lyons has been heard to say that he remembered
meetings that were held at his father's home by a Methodist Preacher
when he was only four years old, and as he was born in the year
1832 that would bring the date of the meeting back to 1836. So it is
a safe conclusion to say that from that time on, for several years,
the faithful circuit rider made his rounds as regular as health and
weather would permit, using the cabins of the settlers as places of
meeting, with an occasional basket meeting in the grove in summer.
The camp meeting was quite popular in those days, a favorite camp
ground being on the north side of the river at the bend, now cut off
by the dredge ditch crossing the land of Perry Gains south of town
and just south of the railroad bridge. Some of the pioneer fam-
ilies who helped sustain this early society were John Lyons, John
Montgomery, Abraham Dewees, Edgar Hawkins, Samuel Bard, Cor-
nelius Jones and William Neisz.
"In 1853 Brook and the district south of the river known as the
Iroquois district each had a new schoolhouse and the following year
Salem schoolhouse was built. All of these places were used more
or less for places of preaching. Especially is this true of the Brook
306 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
schoolhouse where they had a regularly organized society and a
few years later built their first parsonage and had a resident pastor.
The church continued to use the first frame schoolhouse built in
1853 in Brook for a place of preaching until 1865, when a new and
larger building was erected on the ground where the soldiers' monu-
ment now stands in McKinley Park. The church people of the
community agreed with Morris Lyons, the trustee of the township,
to pay $370 by individual subscription toward the cost of the build-
ing for the purpose of making it large enough for church services.
This schoolhouse was used for religious services about twenty-one
years.
"In the year 1885, under the pastorate of Rev. Bond, plans were
adopted for two church buildings, one at Brook and the other at
Foresman, which was at this time the head of the circuit, on account
of being a railroad station. The plans for the two churches were
the same, both being frame structures. The one at Foresman is
still in good condition and doing service as a church. In the fol-
lowing year (1886), under the pastorate of the Rev. B. C. Mc-
Reynolds, both houses were completed and dedicated. In 1888 the
Indiana branch of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad ran a line
from Percy Junction through Brook to Momence, Illinois, connect-
ing with the main line at that place ; thus Brook at once became a
live town and was again made the head of the circuit.
"In 1 89 1 the church had become too small to accommodate the
congregation and an addition was made to it by adding to its length.
It is said that this improvement was brought about by the Ladies
Aid of the church. In 1899, under the pastorate of Rev. J. P.
Shagley, the frame church was torn down and sold to Thomas
Martin who converted the material into a stock and hay-barn on
his farm south of town where it still stands. And the first brick
church was built on the ground which had been occupied by the old
structure. It was erected at a time when material and labor were
very cheap and, although money was not plentiful, subscriptions
were liberal and all the necessary money was raised to pay the cost
of the construction, so that on dedication day, the 31st of December,
not a dollar was asked for. The total cost was nearly $8,000.
Dr. H. A. Gobin preached the dedication sermon.
"It was thought at the time that the church would be ample for
many years to come, but owing to the large increase in the Sunday
school attendance and the advanced methods of teaching, the size
and arrangement were found to be entirely inadequate for the
requirements. In 191 3, under the pastorate of the Rev. T. J.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 307
Everett, an architect was employed and plans submitted for remodel-
ing the church. These plans, however, not meeting with the approval
of a majority of the church board, were rejected and the matter
laid over till the next year (1914), when it was again taken up,
with Rev. T. P. Woodson as pastor. Plans were adopted and
sufficient money was raised to begin work, which was carried to
completion in 1915. The church was dedicated on the fifth day of
December, the Rev. Dr. Harris F. Rail preaching the sermon and
District Superintendent W. E. McKenzie assisting with the services.
"The improvements cost about $13,000. The church now has
thirteen class rooms and is ample for the need of the Sunday
School and church services, and is modern in its construction, hav-
ing an up-to-date kitchen, shower bath, and toilet rooms, a fine gym-
nasium, steam heat, and a hot and cold-water system. It also has
a large church parlor, with a fireplace at each end, which makes it
a splendid room for church receptions and socials. 'In giving praise
it should be given where praise is due.' The Rev. Bond was an
Englishman, possessed of a great amount of the missionary spirit.
As a missionary he had traveled over the Rocky Mountains, preach-
ing to the miners. He came to the Foresman circuit, as it was then
called, and found the people still meeting in the schoolhouses for
worship. He began at once to arouse them to the necessity of hav-
ing churches, showing them that all that was needed was earnest
effort, some sacrifice on their part, and the churches would be an
accomplished fact.
"Again in building the first brick church at Brook Rev. J. P.
Shagley's untiring devotion to its accomplishment is well worthy
of comment. But perhaps to no one in the building of this church
is there so much praise due as to the late John Esson. He was a
member of the church, one of its trustees, a member of the building
committee and chief solicitor for subscriptions, and naturally felt
great pride in the fact that the money was all raised before the day
for dedication.
"Rev. and Mrs. T. P. Woodson, the present pastor and his wife,
are entitled to much praise for the consummation of the later modern
improvements and for the advancement of the church's efficiency
in general. Mr. Woodson is not only a loyal worker for his church,
but for the whole community as well.
"It may be a matter of interest to know that Brook and Morocco
circuits were for some time joined together as one circuit, a part
of the time known as the Brook circuit and at other times as the
Morocco circuit. It then embraced a large territory including West
308 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Union, Russell Chapel, Morris Chapel, North Star, Beaver Ridge
and perhaps a few others. Dating from the years 1858-82 the pas-
tors who served this large circuit were John McMahan, Rev. Dun-
ham, D. A. Grimes, Miles Wood, Aaron Conor, William Cox, George
Guild, H. N. Ogden, Rev. Kight, Rev. Talbot, A. W. Wood, Lanty
Armstrong, Rev. Campbell, Robert Calvert and John Sebring. In
this year 1882 the circuit was divided, giving Brook the south half
of the territory. From 1882 the pastors who have served the Brook
Circuit have been John Sebring, John Harmon, Joseph Hogan, Rev.
Bond, B. C. McReynolds, J. L. Greenway, Rev. Day, A. L. Clark,
Jesse Wiley, Rev. Jessie, A. Ward, Albert G. Deitch, James Sawyer,
J. P. Shagley, Joseph Zaring, Alfred Kummer, T. E. Ballard, T. J.
Everett and T. P. Woodson. In 1903 the Rev. Joseph Zaring, a
young man of great ability, died in the third year of his pastorate
at Brook, in the twenty-seventh year of his age.
"Owing to the improved roads of stone and gravel and the
advent of the automobile, the circuit has been reduced to the one
appointment at Brook, where two services are held every Sabbath.
The church at Brook has a membership of three hundred and
seventy. The Sunday school has an enrollment of three hundred
and twenty-five. The Auxiliaries of the church are the Ladies Aid,
with fifty members ; the Social Service Club, with a membership
of sixty ; the Knights of St. Paul, twenty-five members ; the Busy
Men's Brotherhood, one hundred and fifty members; a good orches-
tra, consisting of piano, two saxophones, two violins, one cornet, one
clarionet, one flute, and drum; the Boy Scouts, eighteen members;
Epworth League, a Womans Home Missionary Society, a Queen
Esther Circle, Standard Bearers and Kings Heralds.
"Some presiding elders who were distinguished in their day
for oratory and spiritual power who have held conferences for this
society were John H. Hull, J. W. T. McMullen, John H. Cissel,
Richard Hargrave, James H. Claypool, John L. Smith, Samuel God-
frey, and Delos Wood. Some of the old-time earnest workers and
supporters of this church, who are remembered by the older citizens,
are Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Dewees, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Hawkins,
Mr. and Mrs. John Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lowe, Alexander
Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Merchant, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hersh-
man, Mr. and Mrs. William Sunderland, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Dewees, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron
Lyons, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Warr and Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Merrifield ;
the last five of whom still live and take a lively interest in current
events."
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 309
Miss Ella Lyons' Story
To Mr. Hershman's account of the growth of local Methodism
is added the following article written by Miss Ella Lyons for the
memorial service held in the Brook Church on January 17, 1915:
"I am indebted to my parents," she writes, "for much of the material
found in this article. Instead of Aaron being the mouthpiece of
another, it is quite the reverse, and I am the mouthpiece of Aaron.
"The first religious services in this locality were held by a
friendly tribe of Indians about five hundred in number, who located
on the Iroquois river during the Black Hawk war. Grandpa Lyons
attended some of these services. One of the few incidents my
father tells of these Indians is that at one time when Grandpa had
gone to one of these services a chief came to him and begged him
to take several large twists of tobacco in payment for some bacon
which an Indian squaw had gotten for her sick chief.
First Church and School at the Lyons Home
"The first M. E. Church services were held in the log cabin
belonging to Grandpa Lyons. This cabin was one of three which
stood about half a mile northwest of Isaiah Lyons' home. The
three cabins stood in line from north to south, with sheds connect-
ing them. The middle one was the living room in which church
was held for about five or six years, from about 1836 to 1842. The
third cabin was the latest addition to the house, and was used for
the schoolhouse for much of the time. Grandpa Smith, the grand-
father of Bennett Lyons, was father's third teacher in this room.
So in these log cabins, the home of Grandfather Lyons, practically
began the first school and the first church services in this locality.
About 1842 a schoolhouse was built near the present Griggs road,
and in this, church was held for two or three years.
"The first church services held in Brook were in a little school-
house built where the library now stands. In this schoolhouse, about
eighteen feet square, Methodists, Baptists, United Brethren and
Christians all held services. Then, about 1865, when Uncle Morris
Lyons was trustee, a new and larger schoolhouse was built in what
is now McKinley Park. The church people gave three or four
hundred dollars to this building in order to use it for church services.
This schoolhouse had a rostrum and a big seat around the front.
These corners were the 'amen' corners, and where the shouters
Usually sat. The seats were the old-fashioned double kind. If
310 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
someone went to sleep, it was very easy to tumble out — I believe
some member of our family has that pleasant recollection of tumbling
out on the floor.
"Then, about 1888, the frame church was built where our church
now stands, and in 1891 the newly organized Ladies Aid remodelled
the building. In 1899 the present church was built, and was dedi-
cated on the last day of the nineteenth century. After fifteen years
the growth in the various church departments necessitated larger
quarters ; therefore the church was remodeled and is now nearing
completion.
"As to the ministers and their work, it would be too tedious to
give a routine of names and to say something of the work of each,
so I will just give a few details and incidents.
"One interesting fact is that as the church grew in numbers and
power the territory, or scope of the minister, decreased. The first
M. E. circuit, when church was held in the log cabin, extended from
east of Rensselaer to about ten miles west of here. The services
were held about once in two weeks. The minister preached every
day of the week. He would go on horseback from one point to
the next, hold services in the forenoon, and spend the rest of the
day visiting. When he came to the log cabin here, they usually went
hunting in the afternoon.
"The next change in the circuit, was when Morocco and Brook
were thrown into one, with Morocco as the head of the circuit. The
territory was smaller and there were about six preaching points.
During this time the interesting periods of the year were the quarterly
meeting and the revival services. The quarterly meeting was a
great event, and people from miles around planned to attend. Mr.
Wood, our present district superintendent, held one of the most
successful revival services and in his sermon, two weeks ago, told
of the efforts made on the part of the people to attend these
meetings.
Changes in Circuits
"At this time Brook was still a part of the Morocco circuit, but
the work became too heavy for one man and an assistant pastor
was secured. About 1881 Mr. Sebring was assistant for Mr. Cal-
vert, and after about a year of his assistant pastorate the circuit
was divided, and this became the Brook circuit, with a smaller
territory but additional points — Morris Chapel, Pleasant Grove,
Iroquois, Salem, Foresman and Brook. According to the records
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 311
for that time, the minister's salary and the presiding elder's allow-
ance were $408.80, the pastor receiving $365.48, notwithstanding
the fact that he had a family of five to support. No wonder that
it was necessary to originate the donation party, even though a
large number of the things given were useless. The record also
shows an average attendance of the Sunday School to have been 33^.
"Mr. Bond first put the movement on foot to construct a church.
The membership numbered about 85. The church was built and
dedicated under the next minister, Mr. McReynolds, in 1888. Then
followed a period of rest under Revs. Greenway and Day, but the
Ladies Aid could rest quietly no longer; so, while Mr. Wiley was
pastor, they engineered a remodeling of the church. About this
time a parsonage was built. Then followed Revs. Clark, Jessie,
Ward and Sawyer. Under the last named the parsonage was
rebuilt.
"During Mr. Shagley's pastorate the present church was built,
in 1899. During the pastorate of these men just named, three of
the circuit points, Morris Chapel, Pleasant Grove and Salem, were
either dropped or added to other points.
"Next came Rev. Zaring, followed by Rev. Ballard. At this
time the Forseman point was added to Mount Ayr, and under Mr.
Everett the Iroquois point was dropped. This left Brook out of
the relationship with the interesting name of the circuit rider, and
left it a station with two services on the Sabbath. The history of
the church during the work of the last named ministers, and from
that time to this, is within the memory of most of the congregation."
List of Pastors
The records of the Brook Methodist Episcopal Church do not
antedate 1882. Since, and including that year, its successive pastors
have been as follows: Revs. John Sebring, 1882-84; G. M. Glick,
1884; G. A. Bond, 1885; J. W. Hogan, 1886; B. C. McReynolds,
1887; J. Greenway, 1888-90; Edward Day, 1890; J. H. Wiley, 1891 ;
A. L. Clark, 1892; C. A. Jessie, 1893-94; Artemas Ward, 1894-95;
James Sawyer, 1895-97; Albert G. Deitch, 1897; J. P. Shagley,
1898-1900; Joseph Zaring, A. Kummer, 1900-03; C. B. Stanforth,
1903-06; T. E. Ballard, 1906-09; T. J. Everett, 1909-13; Thomas
P. Woodson, since 1913.
The records also indicate a membership of 370. The years when
the different church buildings were completed were 1884, 1899 and
I9IS-
312 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
United Brethren Church of the Brook Circuit
Continuing Mr. Hershman's history: "It is not known exactly
when the first society of this church was organized at Brook. It
is known that preachers of this denomination held services here
before the Civil war, and sometime in the early '60s the church
owned a parsonage in the village of Brook, and had a resident
preacher. The circuit then embraced a large territory and was
called the Iroquois circuit. The preachers made long rounds on
horseback, often preaching day and night every day in the week,
covering the circuit about once in three weeks. Some of those old-
time preachers who came onto the scene a little later are remem-
bered well — Reverend Waymire, Reverend Wainscott and the Rev-
erend Garrison.
The last named was a man of very blunt speech, who generally
spoke right out and called things by their right names, calling a
spade a spade. He said on one occasion that he was born like the
cow, with the rough side of his tongue up. There was another man
who perhaps, though he never traveled this territory as a circuit
rider, often preached in this community as a presiding elder of the
conference. The man referred to was Jacob Kenoyer, late of this
county. Although he died in the prime of life he had a wide repu-
tation for eloquence and power in preaching. He was also a noted
soloist, nearly always preluding his sermon with a song so beautiful
in sentiment and execution that the audience would be brought into
perfect spiritual harmony with the mind of the singer, and thus
be prepared to receive the great gospel message he would deliver.
The society at Brook passed through the usual fluctuations common
to nearly all societies of that day, sometimes down and sometimes
up. During one of the downs its parsonage was sold and, for some
years after, there was no resident preacher in Brook, though it was
still retained as a preaching point, except perhaps during short
intervals in the '60s and '70s. The history of the present society
dates back to 1882 and 1883, when, under the pastorate of the Rev-
erend Jones, the Dr. G. B. Smith property was bought to be used as
a parsonage. In 1891 Rev. H. W. Meredith had the parsonage
remodeled. The Iroquois Circuit at that time consisting of Brook,
Mount Zion, River Chapel, North Timber, No. 7 School House and
Foresman. In 1893 Rev. A. M. Snyder was assigned to the charge
and at once went to work forming plans for building a church at
Brook, for until about 1886 the Brook United Brethren Society
had held services in the schoolhouse.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 313
"After the dedication of the Methodist Church of Brook, in
1886, they were invited by the sister church to bring to it their
services, which they did, occupying it on alternate Sunday evenings,
until the erection and dedication of their first new church in 1894.
"At this time the name of the charge was changed to Brook cir-
cuit. A few years later the charge was divided, Morocco circuit tak-
ing Mt. Zion and River Chapel and North Timber, leaving Brook,
Foresman and No. 7 in the Brook circuit. In the same year the
society at No. 7 built a frame church and dedicated it as Otterbein
Chapel, on the 3rd Sunday of September, 1894. The Brook Church
was dedicated the 2nd Sunday of October, 1894, the venerable Bishop
Weaver preaching the dedication sermon. The building of this
church is due in a great measure to the energy and untiring efforts
of the Rev. A. M. Snyder who saw the opportunities of the church
in Brook, and left no stone unturned to place his society on an equal
basis with any other church, making it a power for good in the
community. From this time on the church and Sunday school made
such growth that by 1910 the building was considered entirely too
small for its requirements and was torn down and the present fine
structure was erected under the pastorate of Rev. W. P. and Alice
Noble at a cost of about $14,000. This beautiful church edifice is
of modern architecture and is large enough for its needs. It has a
seating capacity of about seven hundred, including a gallery that
will accommodate about one hundred seventy-five. It has ten class
rooms and well arranged basement with kitchen, dining room and
water system. Brook charge has now no outside appointments, as
the Otterbein Chapel was destroyed by a tornado and the point
transferred to the Brook Church which now has a membership of
five hundred and seven ; a Sunday school enrollment of 465, and a
fine parsonage erected in 191 5 at a cost of nearly $3,500.
"The auxiliaries of the church are the Ladies Aid, with a mem-
bership of thirty-five ; the Sisters of Ruth, with a membership of
fifty-five; the Mens Brotherhood, who number one hundred twenty-
five and the Endeavor society, with an enrollment of seventy-five.
The church is progressive and prosperous. C. A. Sickafoose, the
pastor at the present time, is a man with strong personality ; is
aggressive, a forceful speaker and popular with his congregation.
The Sunday school also has an orchestra consisting of piano, one
clarionet, two cornets, one bass, two violins, one horn, one trombone,,
one saxophone and trap drum ; Dr. C. A. Wood, leader. The pas-
tors who have served Iroquois circuit and Brook charge have been :
A. Wimsett, Rev. Waymire, Joseph Coffman, Rev. Wainscott, J.
314 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Garrison, G. D. Shappley, W. S. Peters, Henry Rice, W. N. Coff-
man, W. H. Jones, M. M. Branson, W. Vail, S. C. Zook, A. M.
Snyder, H. W. Meredith, R. M. Zook, J. S. Cooper, W. P. and Alice
Noble, T. H. Harmon and C. A. Sickafoose.
"Some old-time supporters of this church are still living and
others are venerated in memory, and yet live in the example of their
lives and the good work so well begun in their day. There comes
to mind the names of Mr. and Mrs. John Myers, Sr., who lived
long lives of usefulness and died beloved by all who knew them;
Mr. and Mrs. David Hess, the latter known as Aunt Betty, who but
recently passed away at the age of ninety-five. All her life a veritable
bundle of loving kindness, she reaped, as she has sown, a harvest
of love and tender care in her declining years. Mr. and Mrs. Joshua
Ponsler, another old couple, have long since gone to their reward, but
will live in the memory of those who knew them best. And Mr. and
Mrs. Samuel Lyons, who in their quiet way completed their lives of
sterling honesty and charity, which lay like an open book as a guide
for those around them. Of those who are still living, but have
passed the three-score-and-ten mark, Mr. and Mrs. William Corbin,
Isaac Sell, Mrs. James Kendall and Mrs. Hannah Dickson, are the
connecting links that bind the past with the present." It may be
added that the present church membership is 504.
The Christian Church
"The Church of Christ of Brook, or the Christian Church, as it
is usually called, had its inception in the minds of Mrs. Sherman
White, Mrs. B. F. Newell and Mrs. F. C. Rich, who organized a
society in which they were joined by Mrs. W. P. Griggs and Mrs.
Thomas Martin. This society held its first formal meeting in the
old schoolhouse in 1895.
"Dr. and Mrs. G. B. Smith, Jacob D. Rich and Mrs. C. A. Von-
dersmith, who had been temporarily affiliating with the Methodist
church, now joined the society and the Rev. Mrs. Crank took charge
as pastor. The Warner Hall was secured as a place for public
services and the Christian church society became a permanent
organization in the town of Brook. Sherman White, Jacob D. Rich,
B. F. Newell, G. B. Smith and F. C. Rich were elected trustees, and
plans begun at once for the erection of a church building.
"A building fund was started by serving an ice cream festival
on the lawn of Mrs. Sherman White. This fund was added to in
various ways but chiefly by donations and subscriptions solicited by
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 315
a committee. The society was small but energetic, and the people
were generous, even members of other denominations furnishing
substantial aid. The committee also extended its solicitations to
other towns and received help ; notably, from Kentland and Morocco
and from the society at Pleasant Grove. Enough money was soon
raised to justify the beginning of work and the new church was
begun in the spring of 1897. The building was completed and the
church dedicated in the fall of the same year by the Rev. J. V.
Coombs. The original cost of this church was about $4,500. When
taken into consideration the fact that at the time of its construction
building material and labor were very cheap, it can be more easily
seen how such a splendid church could be built at such small cost.
The same church at this time would probably cost $10,000. Addi-
tions have since been made to the church in the way of improve-
ments, notably of the tower and basement. The church is well
equipped for the needs of the congregation; has a seating capacity
of about 425 ; six Sunday school class rooms ; is furnace heated ; has
a serviceable kitchen and dining room in the basement and a bap-
tistry beneath the rostrum, and is well lighted and commodious. The
society has a membership of two hundred and sixteen, with a Sun-
day school enrollment of about one hundred seventy-five. The
auxiliaries of the church are the Ladies Aid, eight members ; Kings
Daughters, thirty members; Endeavor Society, twelve; and Mis-
sionary society, twelve.
"The first pastor, after the Rev. Mrs. Crank, to serve the church,
was the Rev. Clifford S. Weaver, a young man very popular in the
community, who resigned after the second year to go to Japan as a
missionary, remaining there seven years. Other pastors have been
Rev. Kelley, Rev. Collins, Rev. Beckelheimer, Rev. Gehres, Rev.
Mrs. Goodacre, Rev. Tucker and Rev. J. L. MacDonald, the present
pastor, who is now serving his fourth year. Mr. MacDonald is
a broad minded, Christian gentleman, charitable toward those who
differ with him in opinion and has done much toward church har-
mony and good fellowship in the town."
To the foregoing may be added information secured directly
from Mr. MacDonald and the records of the church. Mrs. S. M.
Crank assumed charge of the society July 1, 1896, the church mem-
bership then being twenty-two. Meetings were held in Dobbins
Hall, Mrs. Crank preaching for the organization an indefinite time.
Following her Rev. Clifford T. Weaver preached alternate Sun-
days until the new church was dedicated, October 24, 1897. He
also supplied the pulpit for some time after. During 1898 Rev.
316 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
G. W. Kelley preached. He was succeeded by Rev. G. D. Collins ;
E. E. Rogers came in 1902; Reverends Patterson and Ballard within
the following two years ; Rev. I. Bekelheimer, in 1905 ; Rev. A. W.
Gehres, 1906-09; Rev. Isabelle Goodacre, 1910-11; Rev. E. N.
Tucker, 1912-13, and Rev. Julius L. MacDonald, since 1913. The
Christian Church in Brook has a present membership, resident and
non-resident, of 21 1.
The Welfare Club
"The Brook Welfare Club," continues Mr. Hershman, "was
organized in 1912, with Mrs. John Haynes as president and Mrs.
The Carnegie Library Building
Lillian Foresman as secretary. It joined the State Federation of
Clubs in 1914. The aim of the club is the mutual improvement of
the individual and the community. The departments are civics,
music, literature and art, and philanthropy.
"The organization did much toward creating a demand for a
public library and presented the rest room of the new building with
a fine leather upholstered couch. It also lighted the assembly, reci-
tation rooms and corridors of the public school building with elec-
tricity, assisted in developing the domestic science department in
the school and presented it with a new sewing machine and kitchen
cabinet. It inaugurated a sentiment against undue extravagance
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 317
at commencement time by offering prizes to the graduate who should
appear in the neatest and most economical dress of her own making.
It has done much for the cleanliness of the town by urging the habit
of 'clean-up day' and encouraging the campaign against the flies.
In 191 5 this club arranged an art exhibit and May Festival which
was attended by a large number of people of the home and neighbor-
ing towns, who pronounced both enterprises decidedly successful.
It was instrumental in securing from the Chicago & Eastern Illinois
Railroad permission to convert the waste ground near the depot
into a park, which was planted to shrubbery in the spring of 1916.
In June of the same year the Welfare Club entertained the conven-
tion of the Tenth District of the Indiana Federation of Clubs. It
has arranged for a splendid lecture course for the town for the
coming winter, and on the whole is a strong force for good in the
community.
"Much praise is due for the accomplishments of the club, to the
persistent and untiring efforts of Mrs. Luther Lyons and Mrs. J.
Bennet Lowe, who have served the club as president and secretary
for the past three years. They have been ably supported by the
ladies in general of the club and the results of the work of this
organization are greatly appreciated by the community. The club
has a membership of seventy-five.
History of Brook Masonry
"The history of Masonry in Brook dates back to some time
in the 70's when a lodge of the order was instituted and maintained
for a few years, when it surrendered its charter and became defunct.
"In June of the year 1906 the following Free Masons, John B.
Foresman, Benhart Leopold, Bernard B. Gragg, Theodore E. Col-
lier, John H. Haynes, John G. Boyer, Charles H. Adamson and
Willis A. Gridley, petitioned the Grand Lodge of Indiana for a dis-
pensation to organize a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the
town of Brook. After investigation by the grand master the peti-
tion was granted, and on August 20th of the same year Deputy
Past Master Dinwiddie of Fowler Lodge constituted a lodge under
dispensation with Bernard B. Gragg, W. M. ; Benhart Leopold,
S. W. ; Willis A. Gridley, J. W. ; John B. Foresman, Treasurer ;
Theodore E. Collier, Secretary.
"The charter was granted by Grand Master Lincoln V. Cravens
and was presented to the lodge by the D. G. M., Edward H. Wolfe,
June 16, 1908, the lodge to be known as Brook Lodge No. 670,
318 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
F. & A. M. The masters of the lodge have been : B. B. Gragg, 1906
to 1909; B. Leopold, 1909 to 191 1; H. T. Snyder, 191 1 to 1913;
J. D. Rich, 1913 to 1914; H. T. Snyder again from 1914 to 1916;
B. Leopold now presiding as Master, 1916.
"Secretaries of the lodge: T. E. Collier, 1906 to 1907; Elias E.
Vance, 1907 to 1909; J. R. Hershman, 1909 to 1913; T. L. Davis,
1913 to 1914; W. S. Cunningham, 1914 to date, 1916.
"The present membership numbers fifty-five Master Masons and
four Fellow Craft members. Stated communications are held on
the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings of each month in the Warner Hall,
Brook. The lodge hall is neatly furnished and fairly well equipped
with lodge paraphernalia. Since the organization of the lodge- it
has lost three members by death — the first being John H. Haynes,
who died in 191 1 ; Samuel Hargrove in 1914, and Elias E. Vance in
I9I5-
"Brook Chapter No. 372 of the Order of the Eastern Star was
constituted in the year 191 1 by Nettie Ransford, Grand Matron,
assisted by the Morocco Chapter; Mrs. James Mcintosh, W. M. ;
Elsie Gragg, secretary. Organized with twenty-two charter mem-
bers, it has now a membership of thirty-two. The chapter has lost
two members by death — Etta Gridley and E. E. Vance. Meetings
are held in the Masonic Hall of Brook on the first and third Friday
evenings of each month. Present W. M., Miss Etta Hess ; Secretary,
Mrs. Sadie Stearman.
Knights of Pythias
"Brook Lodge No. 277, Knights of Pythias, was instituted Octo-
ber 3, 1890, Kentland and Goodland lodges officiating. The follow-
ing names appeared as charter members : W. P. Griggs, G. A. Conn,
S. C. Jones, M. M. Adair, L. H. Blankenbaker, J. H. Holder, Robert
Hunter, E. D. Zook, L. E. Lyons, J. P. Hunter, G. B. Smith, J. F.
Conn, W. Pruett, A. W. Cleaver, E. E. Hess, S. U. Cline, L. E.
Conn, George Light, Rees Hill, F. T. Hawkins, William Ray, Bert
Dickson, Amos Agate, E. E. Thompson, John Schofield, G. Barker,
Thomas Lowe, and G. W. Strole. First officers elected were : W. P.
Griggs, P. C. ; G. A. Conn, C. C. ; E. E. Hess, V. C. ; L. H. Blanken-
baker, Prelate; M. M. Adair, M. of E. ; S. C. Jones, M. of F. ; L. E.
Lyons, K. of R. & S. ; L. E. Conn, M. A. ; Robert Hunter, I. G. ;
S. U. Cline, O. G.
"In 1892 the lodge organized a building association among its
members and erected the hall it now occupies over the Denham &
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 319
Cline hardware store. The lodge is out of debt and has a good
surplus on hand to be used for the relief of sick members, burying
the dead and aiding their widows and orphans. The lodge was
instituted with twenty-eight members on the roster. It now has one
hundred and fifty-nine. Thirty-six of this number have passed
the chair of C. C.
"Since its organization death has claimed fourteen of its mem-
bers, namely: W. Pruett, N. J. Tyler, A. M. Strole, Joe McCabe,
B. W. Pumphrey, B. G. Turner, John Esson, W. H. Reed, J. F.
Conn, Geo. Karr, Ed Lowe, John Ulrey, E. E. Vance and Jacob
Fox.
"Its regular sessions are held in Castle Hall on Monday evenings
of each week, and a cordial invitation is extended to any member
of the order who may be stopping in town to attend. The lodge
has a fine equipment, including a beautiful silk flag, which is always
saluted by the members present before opening lodge. It also has
a splendid orchestra composed of the following players and their
instruments ; F. H. Longwell, the piano ; G. A. Conn, Alvin Thayer,
Chas. Stearman, and Wm. Shindler, violins ; C. A. Wood and Arthur
Weishaar, clarionets, Arthur Lyons and John Smith, cornets ; R. E.
Hershman and C. A. Warr, saxophones ; Walter Hess, flute, and
T. E. Merideth, trap drum. The Brook K. of P. band is also com-
posed entirely of the members of the lodge and consists of nine-
teen pieces, with Dr. C. A. Wood as leader.
The I. O. O. F.
"Brook Lodge No. 427 I. O. O. F. was instituted about the
year 1872. The chair of N. G. of this lodge was filled in succession
by John W. Deaver, Andrew Hess, Morris Lyons, John McCarty,
John Hershman and David E. Lowe. Morris Lyons died in office
in 1875. The membership of this lodge was small in the beginning
and after losing several by death and removal it surrendered its
charter in 1877. In 1895 a petition for reinstatement was filed with
the grand master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The grand
master, after carefully considering the situation, granted a new
charter September 23. 1895, giving the name and number of the
lodge as Brook Lodge No. 717 I. O. O. F. The charter members
were D. P. Smith, F. C. Rich, M. L. Deniston, Jerry Schofield, W. H.
Roberts, Robert Wilson, Philip Stonehill, C. A. Vondersmith, Wil-
liam Wilson, George M. Light, Byron C. Park, Joseph S. Taylor and
David E. Lowe. The lodge now has a membership of eighty-five.
320 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Eight members have died since its organization. In 1905 the lodge
members formed a building association and erected a very com-
modious hall over the Stonehill building. It has a fine official and
membership regalia and a beautiful silk flag which is always dis-
played when the lodge is in session. Present N. G., Arthur May-
hew ; Secretary, Homer Taylor. The regular meetings are on Tues-
day evenings of each week.
"The Rebekah branch of the order was organized with nine
charter members October 5, 1897, under the name of Brook Rebekah
Lodge No. 552; present membership, fifty-five. Meeting nights
are Thursday evenings of each week in I. O. O. F. Hall; present
N. G., Mamie Lowe ; secretary, Alta Light.
"The I. O. O. F. order also has an encampment, which meets
in the same hall, the first and third Wednesday evenings of each
month. It is called Newton Encampment No. 341.
Modern Woodmen of America
"Modern Woodmen of America was granted charter and organ-
ized June 8, 1895, with a membership of sixteen. It now has a
membership of seventy-eight. Since its organization two of its
number have died and their insurance policies paid in full without
question. Regular meeting nights are the second and fourth Wednes-
day evenings of each month in the I. O. O. F. Hall of Brook. The
charter members of this camp were G. A. Conn, J. D. Rich, J. C.
Franklin, Herbert Cox, A. C. Rosenberg, Nathaniel Light, R. E.
Cunningham, W. S. Cunningham, William A Strole, L. A. Sunder-
land, F. D. Michener, WTm. A. Evans, Sherman White, J. A. McCabe,
W. D. Foresman and Edwin D. Zook. The head officials at this time
are: Horace Elliott, Venerable Consul; Wm. S. VanderVoort, Clerk.
"The Royal Neighbors, an auxiliary branch of the Woodman
camp, have a membership of over forty and hold their meetings
in the K. of P. Hall on the first and third Friday evenings of each
month."
The Brook Reporter
The Brook Reporter of Brook, Indiana, is successor to the LTp-
To-Date, first published on May 3, 1895. The Up-To-Date was
the product of one William H. Robertson and an old Army press.
It consisted of eight pages, on four of which the young editor
attempted to live up to the name inscribed at the head of the front
page. On the fatal 23d issue he gave up the struggle and the
title of ownership to Jacob D. Rich, of Brook, who immediately
changed the name to the Brook Reporter, and the old Army press,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 321
which printed one page at a time, to a Washington press printing
four pages and issued the first number October n, 1896.
Mr. Rich sat at the wheel and F. H. Robertson, father of the
founder, acted as mechanician until March 6, 1896, when the latter
leased the paper and conducted it until September 18, 1896, when
Mr. Rich again assumed control, which he retained until December
4, 1896, when the entire plant was sold to O. B. Stonehill, of Brook,
who conducted the paper for over sixteen years. During his man-
agement a power-driven cylinder press was installed and, with new
equipment and editorial skill, he placed the paper in the front rank
of the papers of this section.
In 1913 the plant was sold to Jacob D. Rich and Marcus Fores-
man, who published their first issue on June 6th, with Rich &
Foresman as publishers and Marcus Foresman, editor. In January,
1914, they installed the first Standard Mergenthaler linotype
machine ever used in the county. New equipment has been added
until it is one of the best printing offices in the county, and since
the installation of the linotype it has been issued as an all-home-
print.
It was first run as an independent paper in politics, then republi-
can under the management of O. B. Stonehill, and is again inde-
pendent under its present management.
It has always stood for the moral tip-lift of the community and,
under Mr. Stonehill, conducted the fight which eliminated the
saloons from Brook, and this poiicy along moral and civic lines con-
tinues under its present management.
The Bank of Brook
The Bank of Brook had its origin in the private bank established
by John B. Lyons, John Esson and George Turner in October,
1892. Its presidents and cashiers have been as follows : Presidents,
George Turner and John F. Lawrence ; cashier, from date of
organization, John B. Lyons. The Bank of Brook has resources
which total more than $41 1,000. Its capital stock is $54,000 ; surplus
and undivided profits, $19,800 ; deposits, $342,600.
Pioneer Times in Town and Township
In partial fulfillment of the promise that the "first shall be last,"
the author has reserved a series of pioneer pictures and the delinea-
tion of a number of prominent pioneers of the town and the town-
ship for the conclusion of this chapter. "To close the history of
Brook," says Mr. Hershman, "with its public buildings, churches,
322 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
lodges and schools, and not make some mention of the part played
by the early pioneers who blazed the way that led up to this modern
civilization would be an injustice and show a lack of appreciation
not to be thought of.
"It would be impossible at this day to describe or even imagine
all the hardships encountered by those stout-hearted early settlers.
They had come from older settlements, bringing their young wives
and babies into this wild and malaria-infested country to make for
themselves homes.
"Many of the obstacles with which they contended have long
since been conquered by the skill and energy of man. The prairies,
though teeming with the native grasses in summer, was a vast and
dangerous desert in winter when covered with snow. Even in
summer it held its dangers. It was creeping with rattlesnakes. The
grass swarmed with horseflies that made it almost impossible to
drive across the country in day time. The ponds and sloughs,
and there were hundreds of them, were the breeding places of the
mosquito and the deadly malaria. A strip of heavy timber, half a
mile to a mile in width, ran through this county from a northeasterly
to a southwesterly direction. The timber was filled with vines
and undergrowth so as to make it almost impenetrable before road-
ways were cut. Down the middle of this strip of timber flowed
the Iroquois River, unfordable except in the dry part of the season
or when frozen over. Sickness naturally prevailed. The ague with
its chills and fevers, flux, typhoid and winter fevers, were so
prevalent that only the strongest seemed to survive.
"But these determined people did not give up, but kept on
until their ideals were more than realized. They bridged the streams,
made roads, drained the sloughs, at least partly and built school-
houses. The wonder is now how they did so well.
Early Mills and Their Owners
"A sawmill and a grist mill were early brought into use, as they
were very essential in the improvement of the country. The first
sawmill was brought here by John Lyons and John Montgomery
about 1845 and located on the river just north of the railroad bridge.
This mill was run by waterpower, a primitive dam of logs having
been constructed across the river. The old mill race is still in
evidence as one of the ancient landmarks. Some years later a
mill company was formed and steam power was used. This steam
mill was located on the grounds now a part of McKinley park and
stood near the site of the monument. In i860 this mill was again
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 323
moved back to the river and was run in connection with the grist
mill which had been built with a new dam, discharging the water
through a flume upon a turbine water wheel which furnished the
power to run the mill. A company was formed known as the Brook
Mill Company.
Seven Good Strong Men
"The members of this firm were John Lyons, Morris Lyons,
Edgar Hawkins, Andrew Hess and Samuel Benjamin. It is safe
to say that these five men, to which should be added David Hess
and Samuel Lyons, had more to do with the early development of
this section of the county than perhaps any others of their day.
They were men who were wideawake to the needs of the com-
munity, and were ready to help with any enterprise which had for
its purpose the making of the community better and more prosperous.
They not only looked after the civil affairs of the township with
judgment and economy that is amazing when their environments
are considered, but the moral and religious affairs as well. They
were not all members of any church, but they were men with high
moral development and religious convictions and they lived up to
them ; in fact, they were righteous men. Their influence was such
that men who grew up in this community have been heard to say
that in their boyhood days an oath was seldom heard in conversa-
tion, and although game was plenty and a gun was kept in almost
every house, they could not remember ever hearing a gun fired on
Sunday, and although it took an immense amount of wood to keep
the fires going in cold weather, it had to all be provided on Saturday
so there would be no chopping on Sunday.
Samuel H. Benjamin
"Especial mention should be made here of Samuel H. Benjamin.
He was quite an able preacher of the Baptist faith and, although
the society was never very strong in the Brook neighborhood, he
was always ready to help with his talent the other religious societies,
and as he lived in the community, and often there was no other
resident minister, his services were in frequent demand, to marry a
couple, preach a sermon or give spiritual consolation at the bedside
of the dying.
Morris Lyons
"Perhaps no man had more to do with the civil affairs of the
township than Morris Lyons. He was township trustee continuously
324 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
about fourteen years. He was a man of good judgment and scru-
pulously honest.
John Lyons
"But to John Lyons is due more for the early progress in the
community than to any other man. He located here in 183 1 when
there were but few white men here. He always kept open house
and was noted for sociability and liberality. Travelers made his
house a stopping place, for he never turned any one away. A story
has been told of him which illustrates his character and also that
of the Indian, a member of the tribe whose village was five or six
miles up the river toward where Rensselaer now stands. On a
very stormy evening late in the fall or the beginning of winter, it
was snowing hard, and while Mr. Lyons was feeding his stock at
the close of the day he saw an Indian passing with his blanket around
him and his head bent to meet the storm. He hailed him, and
inquired where he was going at that time of day, and in such a
storm. The Indian replied that he was on his way to the trading
post at Bunkum, for powder and lead, as he was entirely out. Mr.
Lyons, in the kindness of his heart, could not see even an Indian
so expose himself, if indeed he did not perish before he could reach
his destination. So he invited him to stay all night. His invitation
was accepted. It turned very cold during the night and in the
morning, as Mr. Lyons had a good supply of powder and lead on
hand, he divided with the Indian, who received it with a grunt of
satisfaction and went back to his tribe. The next year, in the fall,
Mr. Lyons had a mare and her colt stray away, and as he had brought
her from Ohio the year before he suspected that she had become
homesick and had started back to her old home near Chillicothe.
Sometime in the afternoon he found her trail wandering eastward
and followed it till near evening, but failed to overtake the runaway.
But he met an Indian. Recognition was mutual, as it was the same
Indian whom he had befriended the year before. He explained to
him the situation, that he was afraid the mare had started back to
Ohio and that he did not know what to do, as he would have to
return home, his wife and children being alone. After getting a
fair understanding of the situation and being shown the tracks of
the mare and colt, he said to Mr. Lyons : 'You go home ; me hunt
em hoss.' There was nothing else to do, so Mr. Lyons returned
home. In about three days after this, the Indian came up, leading
the mare. He had caught up with her somewhere near the site
of the present city of Logansport. Mr. Lyons was greatly pleased
at the return of his mare, and offered to pay the Indian for his
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 325
trouble, but he gave him to understand that the debt was already
paid by his kindness of the year before.
"Mr. Lyons not only opened his house for public preaching but
for school purposes, using one end of the double log cabin for a
school room and, no doubt, paying the largest portion of the teacher's
salary. After a few years of these schools in his home, he built a
log schoolhouse himself and furnished it with a stove that the
people might have the benefit of a public school. He took a great
interest in the civil affairs of the county, serving as county com-
missioner before the division of Newton and Jasper counties. He
also served several years as justice of the peace in his township
and was at one time candidate for the Legislature, but his party
was in the minority and he was defeated at the polls by Thomas
Barker, late of Newton county."
Old-Time History by John R. Hershman and Morris Jones
The Welfare Club, of Brook, arranged an historical program
for one of its meetings in June, 1916. John B. Lyons, Morris Jones
and John R. Hershman were to have spoken on the early history
of Brook and vicinity, and George Ade, on the Indiana centennial
work. A violent storm prevented the attendance of Messrs. Ade
and Lyons, but Messrs. Hershman and Jones were on hand and
furnished a treat to the old-timers of the town and township and
their descendants.
Brook in 1856.
Through the eyes of Morris Jones the following picture of
Brook and its neighborhood was drawn, as it would appear in the
fall of 1856: "I have been asked to give you some of the early
history of Brook," he said. "When I first knew it there was so
little of it that it would not take long to tell it ; so will include the
whole of Iroquois township.
"We left Ross county, Ohio, the first day of October, 1856, and
landed the 21st of that month. Pretty wild looking country. The
town consisted of two blocks. On the north side of the street a
small schoolhouse stood where we now have our fine library, Lot 1,
Block 1. West on Lot 3 a Mr. Stacy had a little store. The next
house west on Lot 5 was that of Dr. Moorman. Where the post-
office and meat market are now a small house was occupied by John
Tate. Across the street, west on Block 2, Aaron Lyons had a store,
with living rooms in the back. West on Lot 3, later known as the
Lilwall House, was Walter Hawkins' house. These were the only
326 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
buildings in the town of Brook excepting the saw-mill which stood
where we now have our nice McKinley Park. The saw-mill was
the busiest place in town, with plenty of timber all along the river.
The settlers would cut and haul in logs during the winter, generally
on sleds, as we had plenty of snow those times; in fact, too much
at times. I have seen the road running north, with snow over the
top of the fence, so that teams would drive over it after the drift
got frozen. Those logs were sawed into lumber of all kinds for
the settlers to improve their farms ; everything with which to build
a house except the shingles, even the lath to plaster, were sawed
here. A tough log was sawed half an inch thick, then hacked all
over, so as to make the plaster stick. The shingles had to be split
and shaved down.
"As I remember it, Aaron Lyons kept a general store. Money
was not as plentiful as it is today. He would trade you goods for
produce, butter and eggs. Mostly in winter, there would be some
fur and game, mostly prairie chickens. These he would haul to
Lafayette or Kankakee and ship to Chicago, and bring back more
goods. I have sold eggs to him at three cents a dozen, and butter,
at five cents a pound. Pretty cheap living then. You would have
thought so if you had been here. Corn bread and sorghum molasses
most every day except Sunday, when we sometimes got white bread.
No fruit, except wild crab apples and wild plums. But everybody
seemed happy ; all in the same class.
"West of town, where William Mayhew lives, was Samuel Ben-
jamin, farmer and preacher. Where the Terra Cotta stands, was a
Mr. Rofi Price. The Ed Sell place was occupied by Jarrad Yeoman,
father of Sam Yeoman, whom many of you knew. South of the
river, at the Griggs farm, was Samuel Bards. East at Bowers farm,
was a Mr. Spitler, where at an earlier day, when Jasper county was
organized, court was held. East and north was Mr. Dewees' farm,
father of our townsman, Abe Dewees. East, near the cross-road,
was William Niece. He and his wife both died here, and are buried
on the hill at the cross-roads. North, where William Stath lives,
was the Iroquois schoolhouse. On the road east and south of Paul
Weishaar was Henry Marsh. Then John Treadway, and at the
Riley Stair "farm was a Mr. Pierce. South, at the Corbett farm,
was a Mr. Smith. South and east, no other house until you came
to the Creek farm just north of Goodland ; no town there then. Back
to the river and east, just east of the railroad, was Squire John
Lyons, father of Aaron Lyons. Where Fred Hammacker lives, was
Phillip Earl. Back to town, then east to where the U. B. parsonage
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 327
stands, was Mr. Board's place. Where J. Shindler lives, was Nat
Smith. The Ulyat place was occupied by Samuel Lyons, father
of J. B. Lyons, who lived and did blacksmithing for the whole
neighborhood. On the east of the Laban Lyons farm was David
Weirbaugh. East to the Foresman farm and north, was Mr. Wind-
bigler. South of the road where Sant Kemper lives was Matt Karr.
North of the river and west of where Brunner lives, was Jabez
Wright. East, near the Foresman railroad, was Granny Howard.
A schoolhouse stood near here ; it was afterward moved to Hickory
Branch. North to the Julian road, the first house was a log cabin
owned by John Catt. The next was Dr. Maxwell's, the only house
left of the town of Julian, now owned by J. D. Rich. John Catt lived
at what is known as the Ulrey farm. Next was the Salem school-
house. Next east, at the Tom Lowe farm, was a Mr. Lewis. At
the Ben Harris farm was a Mr. Mead. North of the schoolhouse,
first place, was Calvin Hough. Next, on the east side of the road,
was Mr. Pumphrey. On the west side was Abe Lester. Back to
Brook and north, where John Pence lives, was Morris Lyons ; north,
on the west side of the road, was Andrew Hess ; the last house north
until you got to the Beaver timber, and none in sight, and no fences
to bother you until you got near Morocco. Not over thirty-five
houses in the whole township.
"You can readily see there has been a great change in the past
sixty years. Will there be as much in the next?
"I have gotten this together hurriedly; may have left something
out that would interest you and said some things that would be
better not said.
"An incident happened on the way out here that has clung to
me these sixty years. During that fall occurred the first Republican
campaign. I had learned some of the campaign songs, as I have
since, and was sitting in the feed-box when an old mossback drove
up and, with loud words and big oaths, ordered me to stop my
singing. My two older brothers heard the racket and jumped out
of the wagon, when the old Dem. took the back track. One verse
of the song ran this way : 'Old Bullion had a daughter fair, and
Jessie was her name. A Rocky Mountain hunter, a courting her,
he came. He wooed her, and he won her, and will make her, by the
fates, the lady of the President of these United States.'
"The chorus: 'Then come along, make no delay; come from
every nation, and come from every way. Our land is broad enough,
so don't be alarmed ; for Uncle Sam is rich enough to give us all
a farm.' "
328 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Mr. Hershman's Address
Although largely personal, Mr. Hershman's address was some-
what broader in its scope than that made by Mr. Jones. He said :
"I was born in Benton county, in the latter part of the year 1848,
and grew to manhood on the prairie side of White county near the
present town of Wolcott.
"I take for granted that what would be true in one of those
Grand prairie communities would be similarly true in the others.
My earliest recollections are of the log cabin. My first visit to a
newly erected frame house made a lasting impression on my child
mind. The smell of fresh paint, the new rag carpet on the floor,
the big bureau with glass knobs and ornamented with a big ripe
tomato on top (for you will remember that tomatoes were once
grown for ornaments), made a picture so different from anything
that I had ever seen that I have never forgotten it.
Fighting a Prairie Fire Scientifically
"There is one other scene that left an indelible impression on
my youthful mind. It was a prairie fire at night. It had been seen
all the afternoon coming from toward the west ; at first, perhaps ten
or fifteen miles away. It was a calm day and at first only smoke
could be seen, which was anxiously watched by the settlers, but as
evening came on and darkness set in, the flames began to loom up
and assume a fearful aspect, as their long lines came steadily on,
destroying everything in the way of their onward sweep. By this
time the men and boys were aroused and organized into a fire-
fighting squad.
"They knew how to fight prairie fires, for they were accustomed
to it, and had reduced the system to a science. They did not attempt
to beat out the fire by helter-skelter pounding of the leaping mass
of flames, by which they would have soon exhausted their strength
and accomplished nothing. They met it with a counter fire. That
is, they went onto the highest grounds ahead of it, where the grass
was short, and started a new fire ; one stringing out the fire and
others following up, beating it out on the leeward side as soon as
started and allowing the windward side to burn back toward the
oncoming flames. In this way the fire was headed off and disaster
averted.
"I was too small to go out with the men to fight the fire, but I
remember standing out in the yard watching the flames as they
approached to within less than a mile, lighting up the night and
making quite an imposing scene. We could see the men as they
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 329
ran back and forth before it, silhouetting their forms on the back-
ground of flame and smoke, like giants of the night engaged in a
great battle with the destroying demon to save their homes. And
they succeeded.
Stove, without a Fireplace
"I began noticing passing events during a period of great evolu-
tion in economics. Our mothers were just emerging from the old
system of cooking on the fireplace to the more up-to-date method
of the new-fangled stove, though no one as yet had thought possible
to do without the fireplace as a means of warming the house in cold
weather. I think I remember the first stove introduced into our
neighborhood. A man had built a new frame house and had ignored
the fireplace, to the utter astonishment of the neighbors. But when
the house was finished he bought a box-heating stove, with a drum
attachment on the top of it to make extra heat. Of course every-
one burned wood at that time, and to the people who were accustomed
to sitting close to the fire and scorching their faces, while the cold
chills raced up and down their backs, the result was marvelous.
'Why,' they said, 'when you enter the house the heat strikes you
like the blast from a furnace.' So it was not long until all who
could afford it put in stoves for heating, as well as for cooking, and
the old fireplace became a thing of the past.
Other Home Improvements.
"The use of cotton in factory stuff, as it was called, was becom-
ing common, which made the cultivation of flax for its lint non-
profitable ; also the establishment of woolen mills at Lafayette,
Monticello, Yountsville, and other places over the state, did away
with much of the hard work with wool. Though I can remember
that my mother had a loom and a spinning wheel, I do not remem-
ber ever seeing her use them very much. A great many women,
however, were still making linsey-woolsey for children's dresses,
a kind of stuff made from linen and wool, which was very durable.
All the sewing was done by hand, as the sewing machine had not
been invented.
"The farmer was laying aside forever the reap-hook and had
adopted the more speedy implement of the cradling scythe to cut
his grain, and had about quit the use of the flail and horse-threshing
floors for the more modern system — a ground-hog threshing machine,
which was run by a tread-mill power, and threshed two or three
330 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
hundred bushels a day, running the grain and chaff out together,
which had to be separated with a fanning mill.
Early Schools and Teachers
"A public school system had been adopted and every com-
munity of any size had a schoolhouse and received from the State
money sufficient for about two months' school. If we had more,
it was paid for by private subscription. The teacher boarded around
to make the money go further. Methods of instruction were different
then. The evolution in education had hardly begun. Spelling, writ-
ing and arithmetic, were about all that much attention was given
to, and it seemed to me that it was mostly spelling for about three
years, as I could spell any word in the speller. That is, when I was
looking at it, before I was allowed to have a reader. Books were
scarce and high priced ; so my first reading book was a McGuffy
Second Reader, which had been outgrown by my older brother. I
had not much trouble in reading it, for I had already read it through
at home.
"As a bunch of boys is in many ways much like a bunch of
monkeys, if not kept busy getting their lessons their fertile brains
will be busy suggesting pranks to play on their mates, keeping one
eye on the teacher to avoid discovery. The teacher, in self-defense,
had to bring into requisition the proverbial birch to keep down the
spirit of mischief, so that a reasonably good lesson might be learned.
I never experienced its application but once, and I have always
regretted that I did not ask the teacher what it was for, as I never
knew exactly just which of my misdemeanors he considered worthy
of the honor. Perhaps it was on general principles. In my first
lessons with the pen, I was given a copy of straight marks, and told
to make marks just like the pattern. I was kept at it for days and
days. I never knew why so long, but it must have been because I
couldn't get them straight. I was then given a copy of pothooks, as
they were called by the boys. After practicing on them for several
days I was given a copy of loops, after which I was permitted to
make the letters of the alphabet.
"In the winter of '60 and '61, our school was taught by a Mr.
Mitchell. I thought then that he was the smartest man I had ever
seen. His school was not graded, although he had all grades, from
the beginning to young men and women trying to finish the com-
mon branches. To many of them it was a finish, for before another
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 331
winter had come about half a dozen of them were in the army. Some
never returned, and of those who did, I think none ever entered
school again. He had dozens of classes in other branches, but none
in arithmetic. In this branch everyone worked for himself trying
to do all the sums that he could, and those he could not do, he called
on the teacher for help; which kept that personage pretty busy, so
much so that he did not have much time to spend on the small
boys. I was twelve years old, but this was my first winter in arith-
metic, and I was given Ray's Third Part to begin on. I had very
little instruction, and though I tried hard to master its mysteries,
I made about as much progress as I would now, if I should try to
learn the Kaiser's favorite language.
"The winter of '61 and '62 I spent in Newton county with my
aunt, who lived in the Roberts neighborhood and whose husband was
in the army. Owing to the scarcity of teachers on account of the
war, as most of the men had enlisted for soldiers and there were
not enough lady teachers then to supply the schools, we had none,
and I missed that year.
A Little Judicial and Civil History
"I will go back now beyond my time and relate some things that
I have only from tradition or the early records of Newton county.
In 1839, when Newton county was part of Jasper, we have an account
of the first Probate Court held in the county near Brook, on the
Bowers farm. The record says : 'No business appearing, court
adjourned.' In the same year, however, court was again called in
the same place. This time two cases came up, both for adjustments
of estates ; also marriage license granted to James Lacy and Matilda
Blue, and the ceremony was performed by Esq. John Lyons.
"In 1853 the commissioners of Jasper county organized the
territory of what is now Iroquois, Grant, Jefferson and Washing-
ton townships, into a township under the name of Iroquois, and
ordered an election of township officers. Three trustees were elected,
as the law required at that time. The following year the township
was divided in the middle, north and south, the west township taking
the name of Washington. Iroquois township retained that organi-
zation until 1865, when it was again divided through the middle,
east and west, and Grant township was organized. A strip a mile
wide on the west of Iroquois township was transferred to Wash-
ington.
332 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
More About the Township Schools
"The first school of which I have any account that was taught
in what is now Iroquois township, was opened in one end of a
double log cabin belonging to John Lyons, which stood a little south-
east of the railroad crossing on what is now the Hoag farm, but
then belonging to John Lyons. The teacher was Joseph Smith,
who, a little later, was known as Grandpap Smith. He is supposed
to have received his pay from private subscription.
"The first schoolhouse built in this township was made of logs
and was erected by John Lyons on his farm on the south side of the
river. The year is not definitely known, but was about 1849 or
'50. I think Barnett Hawkins was the first teacher at a salary of
eighteen dollars per month.
"In 1853 contracts were let for the erection of two frame school
buildings, 18 by 24 feet in size. They were to have windows with
panes 8 by 10 inches, to be lathed and plastered, and to be completed
within one year from the date of letting the contract. One of these
houses was erected on the ground now occupied by the public library,
the other was located on the south side of the river in the original
first district. The following year another contract was let for a
schoolhouse, which was afterward known as the Salem school. In
1859 the Hickory Branch schoolhouse was built.
"These four schoolhouses were all the township had until 1869
and '70, when the Duffy and Griggs schoolhouses were built. In
1873 tne Foresman schoolhouse was erected.
"In 1858 we find E. B. Jones teaching a term for $61.50; M. S.
Mead, for $85 ; Barnett Hawkins, $75 ; Delilah Shoenfelt, $50. In
June, 1859, the trustee reports funds on hand of $175.40, which he
disbursed to the four districts as follows: No. 1, $33.65; No. 2,
$65.15; No. 3, $44.05; No. 4, $32.55. This distribution must have
been based on the enumeration. This year the township had two
months and seventeen days of school. Average wages of male
teachers, $24 per month. Average wages of female teachers, $13
per month. Pupils enrolled, 101. Average attendance, 60. The
private subscriptions amounted to $85. In i860 the average wages
of the teachers had risen to $25; the enrollment to 125; average
attendance, 70; amount spent in instruction, $218.19. In 1869
teachers' wages had increased to $30 and $35 per month, with no
discrimination against female teachers. Since then the wages have
been steadily on the increase.
"Up to the year 1877, we had not more than five months of
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 333
school in any one year taught with public money, though it was
quite common to have two or three months of select or subscription
school, as it was called, taught by girls usually of the neighbor-
hood. During the administration of Uncle John Foresman as
trustee he raised the tuition tax levy enough to enable him to have
seven months' terms. Since that time the township has never had
less than seven months, and for the past few years we have had
eight months, as well as a joint interest in the Brook public school,
including the high school, in which nine months is taught.
"Teachers of the township last year received wages ranging
from the beginners at $45, to the highest grade teacher who received
$66.40 per month. The grade teacher in the town school received
from $70 to $80 per month. We have jumped from the first year
of record of $54 for public instruction to $3,800 for all expenses
of the township schools, and $9,000 for the town schools, with $600
additional for permanent improvement, which makes a grand total
of $13,400.
"I have been more or less interested in the public school of this
county since 1869, as I began teaching that year, which I continued
in the winter's session of three or four months for seven years,
when I decided that I could not give it the attention it should have
and quit. Since then I have served fifteen years as township trustee
and ten years on the school board of Brook and am still a member
of the school board.
"I remember very distinctly my first examination for a teacher's
license. Mr. O. P. Hervey was school examiner. He was a lawyer
and an invalid, suffering with tuberculosis. I went over to the
county seat on examination day, found Mr. Hervey in his office, and
told him my business. He told me to come in after dinner and
he would give me an examination, as there would be others on the
same errand. After dinner I went in for the ordeal and found
twelve other young fellows ready to join me. I only remember
positively one of them, a Mr. C. W. Clifton. He examined us
orally. Having one of us stand up at a time he would question
us somewhat after the manner of examining a witness, as to our
knowledge of subjects, till we got to a point where we did not know
anything, when he would allow us to take our seats and recuperate
while he took another through a similar grilling. This was the last
Saturday in November and darkness came pretty early. He saw
that he would have to shorten up somewhere, so after asking one of
us a list of questions, he would ask the others how their knowledge
of the subject compared with the answer just given. We generally
334 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
said about the same, so he graded us accordingly. I remember in
one instance he had examined some one in United States history.
The answers had not been as clear as they might have been, but
when asked the usual question we all said about the same ; glad to
get off so easy, except Mr. Clifton, who had been a sergeant or
lieutenant in the army and was, we thought, a little conceited. He
said that he considered himself perfect in United States history.
I think that the examiner gave him a ioo per cent grade, as he was
the only one who got a first class license. There were thirteen of
us and I don't know about the luck in odd numbers, but all of us
got our licenses but one. Another incident of the day is worth men-
tioning here. Our friend, J. B. Lyons, had contracted to teach a
school to begin the first Monday in December, and he also wanted
a license. True to his nature to economize his time as much as
possible and kill two birds with one stone, he loaded his wagon
with something, had bad luck on the way, a break down or some-
thing of the kind, and didn't get in till the examination was over,
but he fared just as well, for Mr. Hervey said that as he had
examined him the year before he would grant him a license on the
previous examination."
CHAPTER XXIII
MOROCCO AND OTHER TOWNS
Drawn to the Rich Fur Country — Murphy Lays Out Morocco
— Slow Growth — Invisible Branch Bank of America — ■
Struggles to Become County Seat — Final Expansion — The
Present Morocco — The Morocco Courier — The Methodist,
Christian, United Brethren and Baptist Churches — The
Morocco Woman's Club — The Lodges — Mount Ayr — First
Called Mount Airy — Other Railroad Towns.
One of the four flourishing and growing incorporated towns in
Newton County, Morocco is at the junction of the Chicago & East-
ern Illinois and the Chicago, Indiana & Southern (New York
Central) railroads, about two miles west of the geographical center
of the county. It is also nearly in the center of Beaver Township
and, although it is now surrounded by some of the finest farming
land in that portion of the state, at the time of its first settlement it
was in the midst of some of the most prolific trapping grounds in
the country. The beaver furs sent to that point and sold to the
agents of the Northwestern Fur Company for shipment to Detroit
were considered as valuable as any collected in the Northwest.
Drawn to the Rich Fur Country
John Day, of South Bend, Indiana, was in the employ of that
company for many years and was well known to all the hunters and
trappers of the Beaver Lake and Kankakee River regions which
yielded so much of the fur supply brought to the locality afterward
laid out as Morocco. John Murphy, a Virginian and a typical pio-
neer of Ohio and Indiana, appeared in that region in 1838, took up
land and cultivated it, brought supplies for the trappers from Chicago
and otherwise made himself useful. When he located a few miles
south of Beaver Lake there were only about a dozen families in
what is now Newton County, most of them on the Iroquois River a
short distance south of him. The Kenoyer and Myers settlements
335
336
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
had just been commenced, on the northern and southern banks of
that stream.
After several years, during which the region south of Beaver
Lake continued to more than hold its own as a center of trade, there
was much talk of railroad connections from the east which should
pass through the west-central portions of what was then Jasper
County, traverse the rich prairies of Illinois and reach the main
trunk of the Mississippi Valley.
Murphy Lays Out Morocco
lohn Murphy shared in all the general expectations of benefits
to be thus derived, in a special and personal manner. On January
The Morocco High School
18, 1 85 1, he therefore laid out the town of Morocco on a portion of
his farm, in section 21, town 29, range 9. Several years afterward
there was a probability that the so-called Continental Railroad
would, at least, pass quite near Morocco ; but, as events proved,
the town was to wait for nearly forty years before it was favored
with rail connections. The Grand Prairie region south of the
Iroquois, with Kentland and Goodland, was to be developed by
railroad advantages for a generation before the territory north of
it was thus favored.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 337
Slow Growth
As a town, Morocco grew slowly. Its first merchant was Elijah
Whitson and in April, 1853, when John Ade came from Buncum,
Illinois, to establish a branch store for Ayers & Company, of that
place, Morocco proper had less than a dozen buildings on its site.
In the following year the Continental Railroad was projected a few
miles north of Morocco along the shores of Beaver Lake, but it
never progressed beyond a little grading in Jackson and Beaver
townships.
Invisible Branch Bank of America
In the fall of 1854 a branch of the Bank of America was also
established at Morocco, in a very figurative sense ; and it was a
wild-cat concern to the limit. All that was required by law was to
deposit with the secretary of state bonds of any state in the Union
to secure the circulation, and then the speculator was at liberty to
launch out upon the world. The object of the projectors of this
bank was to locate as far from the centers of business as possible,
so as to reduce the necessity for redeeming its circulation to the
lowest possible amount.
The first intimation the citizens of the little burg had of the
distinction thus thrust upon them, was the sight of a large bill
issued by the bank in question. John Ade was temporarily in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, at that time, and saw the bill. On his return by way
of Rensselaer, he learned, on inquiring, that such a bank had been
established, and the proprietor tried to persuade Mr. Ade to act as
cashier. Mr. Murphy was finally prevailed upon to attend to the
redemption of any bills that found their way to this neck of the
woods, but could be induced only to accept the guardianship of
$100 in gold at a time. A great many stories in regard to this bank
have circulated in the papers, which are simple fabrications or wide
exaggerations, but Mr. Ade furnishes one which has the merit of
being true, and exhibits a part of the capital on which the bank did
business: "In the summer of 1854, during the existence of the noted
free-banking laws of Indiana, in what was then the county of
Jasper, which embraced at that time all the territory now included
in the counties of Jasper and Newton, three banks were organized,
two of which were located in Rensselaer, the county seat, and one in ,
Morocco, at a point some twenty miles from Rensselaer, almost due
west. The country between the two points being very sparsely
338 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
settled at that time, and, although it has since become one of the
finest farming regions in the State, at that time it was almost
unknown, except what reputation it had acquired in the adjoining
counties by reason of the breaking-up of a gang of counterfeiters
on Bogus Island, a short time previous, and which was not cal-
culated to invite timid strangers to spend their time in looking for
its good qualities.
"At that time, Bradford, a station on the New Albany & Salem
Railroad, was the nearest railroad point to Rensselaer, and then the
two points were connected by a stage route which made daily trips
and which ran so far as to connect with the trains, which at that
time went north late in the afternoon, so the trip from Bradford to
Rensselaer had nearly all of it to be made after night, and to a
person acquainted with the country at that time, was not very invit-
ing, to say the least.
"One afternoon, late in the fall, five men got off the train at
Bradford, made their way to the hotel, called for supper, and
engaged passage in the hack for Rensselaer. Two of them were
attorneys from La Fayette, going over to Rensselaer to attend to
some legal matters ; two of the others were citizens of Rensselaer,
one an attorney and the other a doctor. These four were well known
to each other ; in fact, old acquaintances, and were 'hail fellows well
met' with each other. The other was a stranger, and although he
ate supper at the same table, he seemed to keep as far away from
the others as possible, and it was noticed that he kept a small satchel
which he had, on his lap all the time while he was eating his supper ;
this and a few remarks to the landlord in regard to the location of
Morocco and the manner of getting there, satisfied one of the parties
at least that his objective point was the Bank of America, at
Morocco, and he communicated his suspicions to the rest of the
company. After supper, the hack drove up and all got in ; but a
mile or two had been traveled, when, by a preconcerted arrange-
ment, the two La Fayette gentlemen commenced an attack on the
two citizens of Rensselaer for the great and terrible system of out-
lawry allowed to exist in their county, in the neighborhood of
Morocco, instancing many cases of murder, horse-stealing and the
gangs of counterfeiters said to exist in that neighborhood. The
Rensselaer gentlemen defended themselves as best they could from
these charges, claiming that they were no more responsible for
violations of law in their county, than the gentlemen from La Fay-
ette were for crimes committed in Tippecanoe County. These
charges and countercharges were kept up until late at night, when
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 339
Rensselaer was reached and all retired to bed. Early the next
morning the livery stable keeper was posted by one of the passen-
gers of the night previous, and who, on being met by our friend with
the black satchel, refused to take him to Morocco for less than $30
and take a guard of four men ; and also, that he would be responsible
for all loss or damage to team and wagon. About this time one
of his fellow-passengers of the night before called him off privately
and told him that he supposed that his business at Morocco must
be of the greatest importance, and as a friend would advise him how
to go there. In the first place, it would never do for him to go in
the clothes he had on, for he would be almost certain to be murdered
if he did. And he proposed letting him have an old suit of clothes
and a rifle, and, that in the disguise of a hunter, he might on foot
make his way to Morocco and back with at least some promise of
safety. Our friend thanked him for his kindness, went back to his
hotel and in a short time the hack for Bradford drove up, and he
secured passage for that point, and the Bank of Morocco was saved,
at least, one demand for specie at its counter had it been found."
Under such circumstances, it is not surprising that the "run"
on the bank was very light. Mr. Murphy deposited his bag of
gold in the bottom of a barrel of potatoes and redeemed an occa-
sional note until the amount was gone, and then, having entire
confidence in the proprietor, he redeemed other notes as they were
presented by his neighbors, out of his own pocket to the extent of
another $100. About this time, he happened to be in Rensselaer
and proposed to turn over the redeemed notes for $100 that he had
expended, but was informed that the bank had changed hands, and
there was no one to speak for the further action of the institution.
There was no clew to the proprietors, and Mr. Murphy had $200 of
the paper of the '"Bank of America,'' without any assurance that
he would realize anything for his money expended. It is safe to
say he did no further banking business ; but when the affair was
eventually wound up by the secretary of state, he made a reasonable
salary besides the return of his money, as the issue was all redeemed
at eighty cents upon the dollar.
Struggles to Become County Seat
Although Morocco did not acquire railroad connections until
1888, when a branch of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois was extended
from Goodland to Momence, Illinois, the town made two efforts to
become the county seat previous to that consummation of her hopes
340 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
— the first time in 1870 and the second, in 1876. In 1900 a third
unsuccessful attempt was made, for, although Morocco had the
advantage of geographical position, Kentland had become nearer the
center of population.
Final Expansion
In the meantime, Morocco had been growing, despite her com-
parative isolation, and the original town plat was increased by
Veatch's addition, in 1872, Ash's addition, in 1873, and Ash's sec-
ond addition in 1876. This expansion was far more evident when
the town became a railroad station, for during the two months of
May and June, 1888, four additions were recorded — Kessler's,
Hope's, Doty's and Kennedy's. Edmondson's addition was made in
January, 1889, and in the March following, Kessler's second addi-
tion. The town's area was increased in May, 1890, by Hope's
second addition, at which time the population within its limits was
397. Within the succeeding decade it had reached 920, and is now
in the neighborhood of 1,100. This growth is largely attributable
to the securing of a direct connection south with the county seat
and the rich Grand Prairie section of Indiana and Illinois, and
north, with the Kankakee and Lake Michigan districts. Morocco
secured these advantages through the completion of the Chicago,
Indiana & Southern Railroad in December, 1905.
Since 1890 the additions to the town have been: Fair Ground
addition, 1893 ; Hope's third addition, 1895 ; Peck's first and second
additions, and Nichol's addition, 1896; Corbin's addition, 1897;
Corbin's second addition, Camblin's addition and Nichol's second
addition, 1898; Kennedy's second addition and Chizum & Camb-
lin's addition, 1900; Kessler & McConnahey's addition, 1902;
Carpenter's addition, 1906; Hammond's addition, 1907.
The Present Morocco
Morocco has a good water supply, with a pumping station, a
supply well and tank in the northern part of town ; a neat public
library and rest room, a new town hall, a large and well organized
public school, two state banks, a newspaper and four churches, and
several strong lodges and social organizations. Its streets are
noticeably well cared for, its main thoroughfare for half a mile
being paved with a fine macadam. Morocco is the center of a large
grain trade and has two good-sized elevators — those owned by the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
341
Farmers State Bank and by Michael Duffy. It has also a pickle-
salting plant, and is the shipping point for large quantities of hogs,
sheep, horses and poultry. It is, in fact, the trading and banking
center of a large area in the central part of Newton County. The
Farmers State and the Citizens State banks are the financial institu-
tions of the place. The latter was founded in 1910 by William D.
Martin, who is still its president. O. F. Stoner is vice president and
A. J. Law, cashier. It has a capital of $26,000, surplus of $14,500
and its average deposits amount to $118,000.
Much of the town's late progress is due to the efforts of the
View on State Street, Morocco
Commercial Club, of which Claud Williamson is president and
which includes the solid citizens of the place.
The Morocco Courier
The Morocco Courier has also contributed its full share to its
development. It was established by Dr. M. L. Humston, now of
Goodland. It suspended in 1880 and Edward Graham was its
editor and proprietor from 1882 to 1888. Fred Davis, Sidney
Schanlaub, uncle of the present superintendent of schools, and H. J.
Bartoo, now of the Remington Press, were later owners. L. P.
Builta owned and edited it from 1809 to April, 191 5, when he was
succeeded by W. H. Myers, the present proprietor and editor.
342 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
The M. E. Church of Morocco
After the churches which were built by the United Brethren on
Frederick Kenoyer's farm, just north of the Iroquois River, prob-
ably the first meeting house to be erected by any organized religious
body was that built by the Methodists of Morocco in 1856. Mr. Ade
says that "it was a good, comfortable building having two front
doors, as all church buildings had in those days — one entrance for
the men and the other for the women. At that time it was not
thought to be proper for a man and his wife to sit together on the
same seat in church." The Methodist Episcopal Church at Morocco
was organized previous to 1850 and among its early preachers were
Rev. James Farris, father of Congressman George Farris, of Terre
Haute, and Rev. Isaac Sayler, who then resided near Rensselaer.
They were both local preachers and came to Morocco to conduct
services at irregular intervals. At that time the General Conference
of the church recognized the Morocco mission as covering all of what
is now Newton County. In 1871 Kentland Circuit was organized by
A. E. Anderson, presiding elder, and in 1872 both Goodland and
Beaver Lake circuits were formed. The present Methodist Church
at Morocco is in charge of Rev. J. J. Rankin.
The Christian Church
The first Christian Church was organized in January, 1887, with
D. M. Johnson as elder, and comprised sixty-five members. Pre-
viously, there had been preaching by L. M. McDermott, J. H.
Edwards and D. M. Johnson. In February, 1888, a frame church
building was dedicated by Elder L. L. Carpenter, of Wabash, Indi-
ana. Among the pastors who have served since have been Rev.
D. M. Honn, Rev. A. L. Ferguson, Rev. S. Moot, Rev. W. L. Stein,
Rev. George W. Watkins, Rev. C. G. Brelas (under whom the
present church building was completed, being dedicated in Septem-
ber, 1903), Rev. Frank C. Higgins, Rev. George Musson, Rev. E. C.
Boynton, Rev. George B. Stewart, Rev. Everett Gates, Rev. E. P.
Builta, and Rev. Everett Gates, of the Chicago University, who
again occupies the pulpit.
The United Brethren
In 1897 the United Brethren in Christ of Morocco organized a
church, and in the following year completed a house of worship.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 343
The first quarterly meeting of the Morocco Circuit met in the
Morocco Church on January 6, 1900. The settled pastors of the
local society have been as follows: Rev. J. M. Tuggle, 1899-1903;
Rev. O. P. Cooper, 1903-04; Rev. M. F. Sherrill, 1904-06; Rev. H. C.
McConaughy, 1907-08; Rev. W. B. Taylor, 1909-12; Rev. E. T.
Aldrich, since 191 5. The present membership is about 130.
The Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church was organized in 1898 and the follow-
ing pastors have served it, in succession : Revs. P. H. Faulk, I. W.
Bailey, W. T. Carpenter, J. M. Cauldwell. F. A. Morrow, D. A.
Cauldwell (another term), and J. M. Kendall. The church build-
ing at present in use was completed in 1901. The society numbers
nearly one hundred members.
The Morocco Woman's Club
The Morocco Woman's Club, which was organized and feder-
ated in 1913, has a membership of nearly fifty, and the following
officers : President, Mrs. Daisy Kay ; vice president, Mrs. Tennis
Deardurff; secretary, Mrs. Bessie Moody; treasurer. Miss Bertha
Norris. The objects of the association, as stated in its by-laws, are
intellectual and moral development, social enjoyment and united
effort for the welfare of the community.
The Lodges
The Masons, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of
America are the strongest of the secret orders represented in
Morocco. Morocco Lodge No. 372, Free and Accepted Masons,
which was instituted in 1865, is the oldest organization in the
county. There is also an Order of the Eastern Star Lodge.
Morocco Lodge No. 492, Knights of Pythias, was organized in
September, 1901. The first commander was H. E. Gragg, and the
present head of the lodge, which numbers 108 members, P. J.
Biesicker.
Mount Ayr
When the Chicago & Great Southern Railroad, now known as
the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, was constructed through the eastern
344 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
part of Newton County, in 1882, a number of towns were plattea
along its route. From the first Mount Ayr, which is now one of the
five incorporated towns in the county, seemed to be marked for
preference. It was laid out by Lewis Marion, on October 18, 1882,
being located on the northeast quarter of section twenty-three, town-
ship twenty-nine north, range eight west.
First Called Mount Airy
It was originally called Mount Airy, and when very young was
thus exploited by the Goodland Herald : "Mt. Airy is situated on
the railway about fourteen miles north of Goodland, and near the
center north and south, in Jackson Township. It is certainly a
beautiful location for a town, being situated on a very elevated tract
of land owned by Lewis Marion, one of the most substantial and
influential farmers of Jackson Township, who has, we are informed,
made liberal donations to the public of a suitable and fine tract of
land for a public square, and has also been quite liberal with the
C. & G. S. R. R.
"We have been informed by the railway engineer that the loca-
tion of Mount Airy is over one hundred feet higher than Goodland.
The town is situated three miles south of the timber land on the
north, and about one and a half miles west of the east belt of timber,
and is in the midst of as beautiful and productive prairie land as any
persons could wish to find. Among the largest land owners are
Lewis Marion, Henry O. Harris, Dr. Caldwell, Samuel Long,
Mr. Crisler, Harris heirs and Joseph Yeoman, and it is perhaps
the wealthiest portion of Newton county.
"We found the citizens of the town to be wide awake and ener-
getic, attending strictly to their interests. Among them we found
J. M. Hufty, who is engaged in general merchandise ; John Brenner,
drug store; S. B. Coen, grain and lumber; S. Royster, lumber; Mrs.
Ashley, blacksmith; George Hufty, boarding house; Fred Nichols,
general hardware ; Sayler & Yeoman, groceries and hardware.
"Mr. Alexander Lardner has built quite a fine business building,
two stories high, twenty-five feet wide and seventy-five feet deep,
which will be occupied next week as a general merchandise store
room by Messrs. Willey & Sigler, of Rensselaer, and Mr. Wishard,
of Mount Airy. It is a building that would be a credit to any town.
There is also a steam grist mill, owned by J. M. Hufty, which has a
capacity of about 100 bushels per day, and does good work. The
village has also the advantages of a good school, and the Methodist
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 345
Episcopal Church congregation contemplate building a fine church
edifice in the near future. Viewing Mounty Airy from all the dif-
ferent standpoints, we think it a desirable place for any person
seeking a location to engage in business pursuits, and we predict for
the town a bright and prosperous future. We have no hesitation in
saying that it is our candid opinion that Mount Airy is destined to
be the leading town in Newton County at no distant day. Building
is now progressing rapidly, and the town has already assumed a
position of no mean importance.
"We found the construction train on the railway busily engaged
in building a commodious side track at the station, which we pre-
sume is completed ere now. The Chicago & Great Southern Rail-
way Company has now forty miles of main track in successful
operation between Oxford, in Benton County, and Fair Oaks, in
Jasper County, and is doing a great deal to improve and develop as
fine a country between those points as you could wish to see."
One addition was made to the original town of Mount Ayr —
Marion's addition, platted in July, 1884.
The town of today is a village of about 300 people.
Other Railroad Towns
Two more towns were platted along the road when it was first
built. They were both in Iroquois Township, almost midway
between Goodland and Mount Ayr — Julian, laid out by Martha and
J. B. Julian, in sections two and eleven, and Foresman, by J. B.
Foresman, in section fourteen.
Rose Lawn and Thayer, in the northeastern part of the county,
on the Monon Railroad, were also laid out in 1882, although the
line on which they were stations was completed four years pre-
viously. Rose Lawn was laid out by Craig & Rose in January, 1882,
and three additions were made to it during the following year:
Long's, Guilford's and Goodwin's. In December, 1899, Keller,
Craig & Company also platted an addition.
Lake Village, in the Kankakee region of the north. Lake Town-
ship, was the fifth town to be platted in Newton County. It was
laid out by Richard Malone in January, 1876, but little attempt was
made to develop it until 1905, when the Chicago. Indiana & Southern
Railroad was put through the western part of the county from Dan-
ville, Illinois, to Indiana Harbor, Lake Michigan. In November of
that year, the month before trains commenced to run over the line,
Bryant's and Hess' additions were made to the original site ; in
346 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
March, 1906, Williams' addition was platted and in March, 1908,
that of John and Charles Hess.
Also, on the same line of the New York Central System were
platted the following : Ade, laid out by Warren T. McCray, in May,
1906; Enos, by R. &. L. Bartlett, in June, 1907, and Conrad, by Jennie
M. Conrad, in December, 1908.
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John Makeever. True worth always commands respect and
usually meets with a fuller reward in material prosperity. A con-
spicuous example of this truth may be found in the career of the
late John Makeever, who was born in Green County, Pennsylvania,
December i, 1819, and died in Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana,
January 3, 1910. He was a son of Patrick and Isabel (Sweeney)
Makeever, and came of good stock on both sides of the family. The
father, Patrick Makeever, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland,
and the younger son of an Irish nobleman. As a younger son he had
scant expectations of succeeding to the ancestral estate, and, accord-
ingly, with the desire of bettering his prospects and making a home
and name for himself, he came when a young man to America, cross-
ing the ocean in a sailing vessel. He located first in Pennsylvania,
where he married, subsequently, with his wife and family, removing
to Morrow County, Ohio. From there he later moved to Jasper
County, Indiana, to live with his children, and died here in 1856 at
the remarkable age of one hundred and four years.
John Makeever was one of ten children. He accompanied his
parents to Morrow County, Ohio, when ten years old and was there
reared to man's estate, his boyhood days being passed on the farm,
after the manner of the boys of that pioneer period. Later he re-
turned to Pennsylvania and in 1842 was there married to Mary
Ann Sharp. Taking up his residence again in Morrow County,
Ohio, he engaged in agriculture, and was thus occupied in that
locality until 1845, m which year he came with his family to Jasper
County, locating on government land which he entered three and
one-half miles west of Rensselaer, in Newton Township. He cut
the logs and built his cabin and there lived until 1856, afterwards
erected a frame house, which was his residence until 1881. Prior to
the latter date he had built the Makeever Hotel in Rensselaer, and
in this he lived for the remainder of his life. A man of enter-
prise and far-sighted, he became an extensive holder of Jasper
County realty and was also largely engaged in the stock business.
Together with his other activities, he also conducted a private bank,
or, more properly, a private office, where he transacted banking in
a small way. In 1883 he and his son-in-law. Jay W. Williams, estab-
lished the Farmers Bank in Rensselaer, and this they conducted until
347
348 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
1899, when the banking business was discontinued owing to the
failing health of Mr. Williams. Mr. Makeever was a charter
member of the Masonic fraternity at Rensselaer and in politics
was a Jacksonian democrat. He began life's battle on his own re-
sponsibility, with no material aid from friends or relations, and
became wealthy through his own exertions by reason of indomitable
energy and his splendid business foresight. From his seventeenth
year he was one of the active leaders of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, whjch he served as trustee, class leader and Sunday School
superintendent. He and his wife had three children: Almira, who
resides in Rensselaer, the widow of William Sims Stockton, and the
mother of three children : Clay and May, who died in infancy, and
Jay W., who lives on the old Makeever homestead in Newton Town-
ship, Jasper County; Cordelia, the widow of Jay W. Williams,
appropriate mention of whom is made in this work, her daughter
Mary Jane being the wife of Charles H. Porter of Rensselaer;
and John Napoleon, who died in infancy.
Mr. Makeever's second marriage was with Mrs. Lewis Macy and
was celebrated February 8, 1886. There were no children of this
union. Mrs. Makeever first married Lewis Macy and was the
mother of two sons: George Julian Macy, a resident of Columbus
and an expert accountant, who married Miss Abbi'e Patterson ; and
John Sherman Macy, a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, and en-
gaged in the wholesale millinery business, who married Miss Elma
Sowerwine, and they have a daughter named Margaret. Mrs. John
Makeever is a resident of Rensselaer, a noble woman of Christian
charity, and honored and revered by all who know her. She is a
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Rensselaer.
William. Sims Stockton. Men of business acumen and busi-
ness foresight are the levers of all commercialism, and the subject
of this sketch, William Sims Stockton, was one of the men of Indiana
who did not fall short in the scale of business ability.
Mr. Stockton was a native of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,
born April 19, 1835, and died January 9, 191 1. He received a good
practical education, being first a student in the local schools and
then at Wabash College. He was an agriculturist and stockman
and then engaged in mercantile life and finally in the real estate
business in West Lafayette, Indiana. Politically he was a democrat
and fraternally he was a Mason, being a member of the chapter at
Lafayette. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Stockton was a gentleman of pleasing personality and address
and of strict business principles. He died in the City of Chicago.
His first marriage was to Miss Nancy Whitsel and was cele-
brated in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, October 13, 1859. She died
July 26, 1866, and her remains are interred in the Hebron Cemetery
in Tippecanoe County. Five children were born to this union, four
sons and one daughter, only two of them now living: Edward, a
WILLIAM SIMS STOCKTON
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 349
resident of Chicago and engaged in commercial life, received a good
education and was a student at Purdue University ; Frank, a resi-
dent of the State of Washington at Greenacre, where he has a fine
fruit ranch, is married and has one daughter.
Mr. Stockton married for his second wife Miss Almira Makeever
on October 15, 1867. Three children, two sons and one daughter,
were born, and the only one now living is the son, Jay William
Makeever Stockton, a resident of Newton Township, Jasper County,
an agriculturist, and living on the old Makeever homestead. He was
educated in the common schools and took a business course in a com-
mercial college at Lafayette. He married Miss Stella Perkins, and
they have four living children : John Judson, in the seventh grade
and taking a short course at Purdue University ; Stella Almira, also
in the seventh grade; Julia Cordelia, in the fifth grade; and Jay
Perkins, deceased ; and William Sims, the youngest. Jay Makeever
Stockton is a democrat politically. Both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Rensselaer, and his chil-
dren are also identified with that church. He formerly served as
steward on the official board.
Mrs. Stockton is a native of Morrow County, Ohio, born Sep-
tember 13, 1843, and is a daughter of the well known citizen John
Makeever whose full review is given in this publication. She was
only a child when she became a resident of Jasper County, and was
educated in the schools of this county and is a graduate of the
Methodist College at Valparaiso, Indiana, with the class of 1864.
She taught school in Marion, Ohio. She is a devout member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Rensselaer and has been president,
treasurer and secretary of the Ladies Foreign Missionary Society of
the church and was delegate to the branch meeting of this organiza-
tion, including representatives from four states, Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan and Wisconsin. Mrs. Stockton is a lady of pleasing per-
sonality and address and comes from one of the old and stanch
pioneer families of the county.
Judge Charles Walker Hanley. As judge of the Thirtieth
Judicial Circuit, comprising the counties of Jasper and Newton,
Judge Hanley has for the past thirteen years given the people of
this circuit the benefit of disinterested service, of long and thorough
experience in public life, and a broad knowledge of men and affairs.
He is a native son of Jasper County and is an able lawyer. Pos-
sessed of scrupulous honesty and a fine sense of justice, his friends
and practically all the people of his district unite in declaring him
one of the most competent men who has ever sat on the Circuit
Court bench in this district.
ludge Hanley's family has been one of more than ordinary use-
fulness and distinction in Jasper county since the decade of the
'50s. His father, William Hanley, was born at Fort Wayne, Indi-
ana, August 6, 1838, of Irish parentage. Grandfather Thomas
350 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Hanley was born in Limerick, Ireland, and there married
Mary Hare. Thomas Hanley was a schoolmaster in the
old country and also after coming to America. He and his
wife came to this country by sailing vessel about the year
1826. William Hanley, who was the youngest of thirteen children,
grew up in Fort Wayne, but was left motherless at the age of six
years, and from that time until early manhood was reared under
the care of an older sister. He received his primary education in
the public and parochial schools, and this was supplemented by a
course at some Catholic institution of higher learning.
It was in the early '50s that William Hanley came to Jasper
County, Indiana, and was first known to the people as a farm
hand, one who commended himself by his industry and faithful-
ness. After the discovery of gold in Colorado he joined an emi-
grant train and went out to that territory, where he lived for some
time and his name finds a place in early territorial annals. He
was one of the first territorial delegates at the first territorial con-
vention, representing the Boulder Camp. In that convention the
delegates adopted the criminal laws of the State of Kansas and
the civil laws of the State of Nebraska, by resolution, as the laws
of Colorado Territory. After several years of this life in the far
west William Hanley returned east and stopped in Iowa long enough
to marry Elizabeth Peregrine, who was born December 1, 1844,
in Scott County, Indiana, and was the daughter of a Christian
minister. From Iowa he brought his bride to Indiana, and during
a brief residence at Lafayette was employed as clerk in a grocery
store. He then came to Gillam Township in Jasper County, and
became identified with farming. Not long after the outbreak of
the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army as a private in the
38th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. With the expiration of his term
of enlistment he returned to Jasper County, resumed farming in
Gillam Township until 1888, and then moved to Kniman in Walker
Township, which continued to be his home until his death on Febru-
ary 25, 1908. His wife survived until July 21, 191 3, her death
occurring at Chicago. Of their five children four are now living.
The late William Hanley was of Catholic parentage but severed
his allegiance with the parent church and became identified with
the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Some of the qualities of
his character deserve mention as a part of his individual record
and for the benefit of his descendants. He was a man much above
the average in point of intellect and general information, and a
great reader. He kept abreast of the times, and was not only well
informed as to the current topics of the day but was somewhat of
a philosophic student of events as well. Along with powers of
keen observation he had the faculty of being able to describe in
language what he saw and his discourse was of rare interest. He
had the happy faculty of always being in good humor, and was
generous to a fault, perhaps for this reason never having been
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 351
accounted among the wealthy men of Jasper County. He was
well grounded in music and a great lover of harmony, and one of
his great pleasures was in either playing or singing music. He
enjoyed the highest esteem of his neighbors and commanded the
respect of all who knew him. Two of his children are now living
in Jasper County: Ella, the wife of Lester A. Sayers at Wheat-
field; and Charles W., of Rensselaer.
Charles W. Hanley, whose career as a lawyer and judge has
added to the worthy distinctions associated with the family name,
was born in Jasper county July 5, 1865. His primary education
came from the public schools of this county, and for one year he
was a student in the State Normal School at Terre Haute. The
first important vocation of his life was teaching school in Jasper
County for four years. With the exception of two years spent
in the West, his home has always been in Jasper County. Quite
early in life he became interested in local politics, and in 1892 was
the successful nominee of the republican party for the office of
county sheriff. He served two terms in that position and his
service of four years gave him a strong hold upon popular con-
fidence. In the meantime he had taken up the study of law prior
to his election as sheriff, and continued his studies as opportunity
offered and soon after the expiration of his second term of office
he was admitted to the bar and began practice at Rensselaer in
partnership with Judson J. Hunt. This was a partnership of
mutual profit and advantage for six years. It was dissolved when
Mr. Hanley was elected judge of the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit,
comprising the counties of Jasper and Newton, in 1902. In 1908
his re-election came without opposition, his name being the choice
of all political parties. In 1914 he was re-elected for the third
term. Beyond the practically unanimous verdict which has kept
Judge Hanley in office for so many consecutive years there is no
need for any detailed expressions of his qualifications and effici-
ency for the judicial office.
Judge Hanley is affiliated with the Masonic Order Lodge No.
125; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 143; and
the Knights of Pythias Castle Hall No. 82. His first wife was
Josephine Farris, daughter of George W. Farris of Gillam Town-
ship. After the death of Mrs. Hanley he was married in Septem-
ber, 1893, to Hattie L. Hopkins, of Rensselaer. Judge Hanley has
two sons : Cope J. and Emil W. Cope J. is a junior in the law
course of the University of Colorado at Boulder City, Colo. He is
a graduate of the Rensselaer High School. Emil W. is a freshman
in Miami College at Oxford, Ohio, and he is also a graduate of the
Rensselaer High School.
Stewart C. Hammond and Joseph P. Hammond. One of the
few remaining pioneers of Jasper County is Stewart C. Hammond
of Rensselaer. His has been a life of quiet effectiveness, marked
352 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
by a record of many duties well done and many responsibilities
faithfully fulfilled. He is one of the men who developed and made
Jasper County what it is. While never in the conspicuous activities
of abnormal events, in the round of commonplace accomplishment
and in the faithful and intelligent performance of every task allotted
to him during his long life, he has a record that may well be envied
and admired by the present and future generations.
Stewart C. Hammond was born October 24, 1827. When a
child his parents moved to Vermillion County, Indiana, and thence
to Vermillion County, Illinois. They had hardly located in the
latter county when an epidemic of milk sickness caused them to
reload their ox wagons and return to Indiana. They remained at
Monticello in White County for a time, and in 1837 m°ved to
Jasper County, where they entered a tract of land from the Govern-
ment located about five miles southeast of the present site of the
City of Rensselaer in Marion Township. Theirs was one of the
early log cabin homes to be erected and to stand as a mark of
advancing civilization in this section. Following this came the
heavy work of clearing and improving, and thenceforward to the
present for a period of more than eight decades the name Hammond
has been one of significance in Jasper County. When the family
first located there the Indians had been only "officially" removed,
and were in fact as numerous as the whites. If the country was
not one that flowed with milk and honey, it did furnish many oppor-
tunities for the simple livelihood of the pioneer, who could secure
wild game in abundance and by his own ingenuity he fashioned
nearly all the simple furniture and conveniences necessary for
living.
On that old homestead in Marion Township Stewart C. Ham-
mond grew to manhood. His education came less from books than
from practical contact with the woods and prairies and he became
an expert in all the arts required for existence in the early days.
On December 13, 1856, he married Rebecca Pillars. About that
time they moved to a place about three miles southwest of Rens-
selaer, and he subsequently bought the land and developed it as a
homestead farm, which he occupied until 1891. Mr. Hammond
then removed to Rensselaer and has since lived quietly retired.
His wife died November 1, 1899. Their seven children are men-
tioned briefly as follows : William ; Emma, Mrs. Marion I. Adams ;
Joseph P. ; Rose, Mrs. Clarence V. Harold ; May, now deceased,
who was the wife of Daniel Waymire; Charles G. ; and Bertha,
Mrs. Clinton Brown.
Stewart C. Hammond has thus lived nearly all his life in Jasper
County. His occupation has been that of a farmer. No unusual
events have occurred in his career, but he bore his part in the
period that brought Jasper County from its primitive condition to
one of high civilization. He has been a witness and factor in the
many events which are recorded in the progress of this community
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 353
since its first settlement. When he was in young manhood the
cradle was considered a great improvement over the old primitive
sickle, and then later in his experience came the reaper, and that
was finally replaced by the modern harvesting machine. He was
doing the work of a man before the first railroad came to this part
of Indiana, and the dirt highways furnished the only means of
transportation with wagons drawn by oxen or horses. The swamps
under his vision have been reclaimed and converted into productive
farms and happy homes. His life in its personal features has been
a clean one, and the niche allotted unto him has been creditably
filled. The satisfaction of having lived a well spent life, of having
lived to the best of his ability, and of having practiced the precepts
of the Golden Rule, of having the confidence and esteem of his
fellowmen, are his in a retrospective view at life's evening. He is
a member of the Free Will Baptist Church. While a strong repub-
lican in politics, he has never sought nor wanted public office.
Of his children special mention is given in this article to Joseph
P. Hammond, who has for many years been a factor in Jasper
County life and is now giving conscientious and efficient service
as county auditor.
Joseph P. Hammond was born on the old homestead in Jasper
County June 2, 1863. His primary education came from the public
schools, and he also had the advantage of a course of training in
the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. Many
people who recall his earlier activities know him best as a teacher.
For twelve years he was engaged in educational work in Jasper
County, and of that period three years were spent at Fair Oaks
and three years at DeMotte. In 1897 Mr. Hammond was elected
county truant officer, and in connection with the duties of that posi-
tion handled an insurance business at Rensselaer. In 1900 he
moved to Wheatfield to become cashier of the Bank of Wheatfield,
in which office he continued until 1908. He then went to Reming-
ton as vice president of the First National Bank and remained until
the affairs of the institution were liquidated. Returning to Rens-
selaer, Mr. Hammond was assistant cashier of the First National
Bank of the county seat until January 1, 19 12. At that date he
assumed the duties of county auditor, to which office he had been
elected in the fall of 1910. He was re-elected auditor in 1914, and
is now in the fourth year of his service in that important public
position.
Mr. Hammond is a republican, a member of the Masonic Order,
Prairie Lodge, No. 125, and the Knights of Pythias, Castle Hall,
No. 82. He was a charter member of the Wheatfield Lodge. He
belongs to the Methodist Church. On June 20, 1892, he married
Miss Elizabeth Stackhouse. She died in 1900, and of her three
children one died in infancy and the other two are Herbert C. and
Bernice, both graduates of the Rensselaer High School. Herbert
is associated with his father in the office and will be deputy auditor.
354 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Bernice wedded Leo L. Calvert, a resident of Joliet, Illinois, and
one of the Public Service Company. On January 28, 1902, Mr.
Hammond married Marie Jensen. By this union there is one son,
Maurice.
James N. Leatherman. A resident of Jasper County for more
than a quarter of a century, Mr. Leatherman has been engaged
in some form of useful service all this time, and was for eight
years county auditor. He is now one of the county's most popular
bankers, and his broad experience as a county official and his large
acquaintance with the people of Jasper County have done much to
increase his efficiency and value as cashier of the First National
Bank of Rensselaer.
James N. Leatherman is a native of White County, Indiana,
where he was born December 1, 1862. His birthplace was Prince-
ton Township of that county. James and Elizabeth (Hollenback)
Leatherman, his parents, were natives of West Virginia and came
to White County in the fall of 1850, being among the early settlers.
About 1893 they removed to Rensselaer, where the father died in
March, 1912, and the mother in 1898. Seven of their eleven chil-
dren are still living.
James N. Leatherman was reared and educated in White County,
and a number of his youthful years were spent as a teacher. That
calling he pursued principally in the winter months, and spent the
summer seasons in farming. On November 18, 1888, he married
Miss Juliaetta Randle. In September, 1889, about a year after
his marriage, he removed to Jasper County, and in this county con-
tinued his work as an educator and was also employed in the county
surveyor's office. From 1893 to 1904 he was in the grain office now
managed by the firm of Babcock & Hopkins.
Mr. Leatherman has always been a citizen of public spirit and
has taken much interest in local affairs, and in 1902 was elected
county auditor of Jasper County, assuming the duties of that office
in 1904. By reelection he served eight years all told. Following
his retirement from the office he spent one year as assistant cashier
and in 19 13 was elected cashier of the First National Bank of
Rensselaer.
Mr. Leatherman is a republican and is affiliated with the Knights
of Pythias, Castle Hall, No. 82, at Rensselaer and he and his wife
are both church members. Their two children are : Bethel, de-
ceased ; and Helen.
Alexander J. Kent. Those individuals who gave their energy,
skill, ambitious vigor, enthusiasm, faith and means, to the building
up of a community are benefactors of humanity, and their names
cannot be held in too high esteem. In every undertaking there must
be a logical beginning, and the man who lays the foundation for
what afterwards may become a flourishing city must have the cour-
to
^f^^^
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 355
age of his convictions and unlimited confidence in the future of the
location which he selects as the scene of his endeavors. Few towns
in Indiana have their names more worthily bestowed as a permanent
tribute to their founders than Kentland. The credit for its estab-
lishment belongs to the late Alexander J. Kent, and it was through
his planning, liberality and public spirited labors that this has become
not only one of the flourishing towns of Northwest Indiana, but it
was also due to his leadership in a large degree that community
around it prospered and successively endured the many trials and
privations which are inseparable from the settlement and develop-
ment of a wild and new country.
It is a part of the history of Newton County as well as an appro-
priate tribute to the career of the founder of Kentland that some
concise account should be contained in this publication of his life.
He was born August 30, 18 15, in Oneida County, New York,
and died at his home in the suburbs of Kentland May 7, 1882. Be-
tween those dates he accomplished a great deal more than the man
of average abilities can expect to achieve. He belonged to an old
New England family. His parents Carroll C. and Phoebe (Dimock)
Kent, both natives of Connecticut, were born in the same year, same
month and same day, October 17, 1777, while the war for inde-
pendence was being waged against the mother country by the
American colonies. Phoebe Dimock was a daughter of Colonel
Dimock who attained that rank in the English army. One of the
battles of the Revolution made familiar to every American schoolboy
was that fought at Oriskany, New York, in which the American
leader, the gallant General Herkimer, defeated the nine tribes of
Indians. The scene of the battle was land owned by Carroll C.
Kent, and afterwards owned by Alexander J. Kent. Carroll C.
Kent died at Whitesboro, New York, at the age of eighty-three,
while his wife passed away August 21, 1827, aged fifty.
While Alexander J. Kent came of a very substantial family
according to the standards of wealth in that time, he built his for-
tune largely through his individual talents and wisely directed labors.
He had only a common school education, such as nearly all the
boys of his generation received. He lived in New York State
for a number of years and was first drawn to the West after the
discovery of gold in California. In 1849 ne equipped a party of
five men and furnished them with transportation to Sacramento,
California. Not long afterwards he went out himself to the Pacific
Coast, and in 1851 became head of the firm of Kent, Fowler & Com-
pany at Sacramento. They had a flourishing wholesale grocery
business in the California capital, and in spite of the destruction
of their plant by fire, they quickly re-established themselves and
carried on business even more extensively than before. The part-
ners after selling their mercantile enterprise bought a vessel and
went into the importing business between San Francisco and China.
It is worthy to be recalled that their vessel, the Anna Welsh, on
356 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
its first trip brought to America the first colony of Chinese. After
three very profitable voyages the partners sold the vessel, and
Mr. Kent then returned to New York.
In the meantime his brother, the late P. M. Kent, had become
extensively interested in Indiana and soon induced Alexander to
invest in some of the wild land then hardly settled at all in North-
western Indiana. During 1853-54 Alexander J. Kent traveled all
over the undeveloped sections of Northwestern Indiana, and began
the investment which eventually gave him control of more than 25,-
000 acres. In 1855 he engaged in the wholesale grocery trade at New
Albany, Indiana, with his brother Bela C. Kent, and in those early
days conducted one of the largest establishments of its kind in the
state. It was in 1859 that he moved his family from New Albany
to what is now Newton County. He owned large tracts of the best
land in this county, and did much to encourage settlement and de-
velopment. Many pioneers came to the county about that time,
bought farms around Kentland and proceeded to undertake the
heavy task of development. There were not wanting many cases
in which honest industry met with discouragement and misfor-
tune. It is said that but for the liberality of Mr. Kent many
farmers who later became prosperous would have given up their
farms and left the county. He was always patient and considerate
in awaiting the settlement of his just claims, and it is doubtful if
there was ever a case of deserving need which he did not satisfy.
He contributed of his time and means to all deserving people and
worthy enterprises. He not only granted liberal extensions of
time to his debtors, but went even further with an unostentatious
liberality and charity to those who needed money, food or cloth-
ing. It is said that he had from $50 to $300 invested in every
church in Washington Township. He gave liberally when call came
in times of famine from other communities and states. He sent
hundreds of bushels of corn out to the suffering people of Kansas
during the early '60s, and contributed liberally to the donation
taken up for the Nebraska pioneers whose crops were devastated by
the grasshopper plague. What he did during the Civil war in his
own community should not pass without notice. The outbreak of
the war brought distress upon many households, and many who
gladly volunteered to serve the cause of the Union had to leave
their families almost unprovided. It is related that on one occa-
sion when a company, made up of his neighbors and neighbors'
boys, were about to leave for the South and were marching to
the depot, Mr. Kent came on the scene and directed the. captain
to give the order to "open rank." The order was obeyed, Mr, Kent
passed through from one end of the company to the other and gave
to each man a $5 bill. Seldom was a gift more appropriate and
timely, since a number of those volunteers had left their families
practically in trust to the community.
Those who remember this splendid old citizen recall his more
ma of, /(Sj^ntT
/ f
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 357
intimate characteristics. He was always busy, and industry was
the keystone of his entire career. It is seldom that he appeared
on the street except when called there by urgent business. He was
conservative in temper and opinion, and while he exacted so much
from himself he was none the less liberal in his sympathy for distress
and his tolerance of the good and bad in others. In politics he
was one of the pioneer democrats of Newton County.
His first wife was Mary Anna Chesebrough, who died Novem-
ber 26, 1856. In 1857 at Whitesboro, New York, he married Miss
Rosamond C. Chesebrough. Her parents were Noyes P. and Clara
(Moore) Chesebrough, her mother being a niece of the poet, Tom
Moore. Mrs. Kent survived her husband several years and passed
away December 24, 1886. Both are laid to rest in the Kentland
cemetery.
John Alexander Kent. A life marked by splendid purpose,
forceful energy, and an integrity of character which has been
synonymous with the name during its long and honorable identifi-
cation with Newton County, was that of the late John Alexander
Kent.
Mr. Kent was a son of Alexander J. and Rosamond C. Kent,
who established their home in Kentland in 1859. The career of
Alexander J. Kent, which figures so largely in the history of these
counties, has been sketched on other pages.
John Alexander Kent was born at New Albany, Indiana, October
17, 1858, and was therefore an infant when brought to Kentland.
He grew up in that community, gained his education in the local
schools, and from an early age began to share the responsibilities
of his father's business, especially in looking after the extensive
farm and cattle interests of his honored father.
In 1878 at the age of twenty he was given charge of the book-
keeping in his father's business. Later he took the management
of the large cattle industry of the Kent family and in the early
days he accompanied and sold many trainloads of stock in New
York. From early years he manifested a soberness and seriousness
under responsibilities that made him universally trusted. With his
father's death in 1882 he took charge of and settled up the estate,
the largest ever probated in Newton County. Thereafter he man-
aged the business affairs for his mother and other members of
the family until his mother died in 1886.
With the division of the estate John A. Kent acquired a 10,000-
acre ranch in Newton and Jasper counties and 400 acres of land
near Kentland. From that time forward he was actively identified
with the livestock business, employing Mr. A. D. Washburn as
manager, until his death which occurred at Phoenix, Arizona, Feb-
ruary 12, 1897. Thus his career came to an untimely close before
he was forty years of age.
Mr. Kent should be remembered because of his great executive
358 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
ability, his dynamic energy and his able leadership in all affairs
which required power and judgment of a vigorous self-sustaining
manhood. Needless to say he possessed a prompt decision, and
though a man of inmost courtesy and kindliness of heart and man-
ner was exceedingly forceful in all he undertook. All in all he was
one of Newton County's foremost business men and citizens.
Carroll Carey Kent, a son of the late Alexander James Kent,
founder of Kentland, and Rosamond (Chesebrough) Kent, was
born in Newton County June 23, 1864. He is named for his paternal
grandfather, reference to whom as well as to his honored father,
Alexander J. Kent, is made on other pages.
Mr. C. C. Kent was educated in the Kentland public schools and
in the preparatory school of Shobinger and Grant in Chicago, where
he finished in 1882. On the death of his father on May 7, 1882,
he returned to Kentland, and soon afterwards took charge with
his brother, John Alexander, of the large landed interests of the
family in Newton County. Mr. Kent has never married, but has
none the less been closely identified with the business and civic life
of his home town, and is well known in business circles in many of
the larger cities of the country.
He has never aspired to political office, though for one term
he was president of the board of education. Politically he is an
independent democrat. He has filled chairs in both the Masonic
and Knights of Pythias lodges in Kentland, and is a member of the
Chicago Athletic Club and of the Lambs Club of New York. Mr.
Kent regards with much satisfaction the development of athletics
and outdoor recreation as an important feature of American life,
and he himself participates in these sports, his favorites being fish-
ing, hunting and golf.
In a business way much of his time and attention for a number
of years have been taken up in the management of the landed
interests, most of which were left in the estate of his father, Alex-
ander J. Kent. He is also a member of the mercantile firm of J. W.
Ryan & Company and is president of the Kent State Bank. This
institution was founded in 19 10, and is housed in one of the
handsomest bank buildings in the State of Indiana. It is a solid
and prosperous institution, and has made rapid progress under
the management of Mr. Kent. In fact he has used his influence
and means in many ways for the upbuilding of Kentland. He has
contributed to every worthy charity, and public enterprises with-
out number might associate his name with substantial gifts and
influence in the course of their progress.
George B. Parkison. Elsewhere in these pages will be found
a number of references to members of the Parkison family, who
have been identified with Jasper County since its early settlement.
The pioneer of the family was John G. Parkison, whose grandson
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 359
is George B. Parkison, who for many years has been closely identi-
fied with the agricultural interests of Marion Township. The
latter's father was the late William K. Parkison. The lives of these
two old settlers and the story of their accomplishments are told on
other pages.
Few of the first residents of Jasper County have a more intimate
knowledge based on practical experience with the successive changes
in agricultural industry that have occurred in Jasper County during
the last fifty years than George B. Parkison. He was born on his
father's homestead in Barkley Township in Jasper County May 5,
1850. As a boy he had his first experience in farm management in
directing the course of a single shovel corn cultivator across the
fields of his father's farm. From that instrument he graduated to
the double-shovel plow, and later to the two horse single row culti-
vator. Similarly he handled those primitive implements of the
harvest field, the old fashioned cradle and scythe and has since
introduced into his harvest field at successive periods some of the
earlier types of the mowing and reaping machines, and still later the
powerful and efficient self-binders, and the various other equip-
ments which have lightened the labors of the farm. While farm-
ing as conducted thirty or forty years ago meant almost constant
toil not only in the fields of growing crops but also in the necessary
work of improvement, Mr. Parkison as a young man enjoyed an
average amount of the recreations which the young people had in
those days, chiefly in hunting, fishing and other sports. The train-
ing which comes from books and schools was not held in such
high regard during his youth as it is in modern times, and perhaps
was not so important a requisite in preparation for the stern duties
to which boys were called when they reached manhood. However,
Mr. Parkison attended the old district schools with more or less
regularity, and when his services were required at home as his
years and strength increased he gave his school attendance only the
brief winter terms.
Mr. Parkison lived at home and was in partnership with his
father in farming and stock raising until the latter's death. In the
meantime, on August 13, 1879, he married Miss Ida A. Gwin, who
died June 18, 1898. By their marriage there were three children,
Clifford A., Mary Belle, now Mrs. James Monroe Yeoman, and one
that died unnamed. On April 4, 1900, Mr. Parkison married
Elizabeth Shook, who was born in Jasper County May 11, 1876, the
seventh in a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters
of William and Margaret J. (Dalton) Shook. All of the children
are living, and reside principally in Indiana. Mr. Shook was born
in Virginia, was an agriculturist, and was a staunch democrat in
his political affiliations. Mrs. Shook was born in Jasper County,
and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Parkison are the parents
of one son, Allen H.
Farming and stockraising has been his vocation since early man-
360 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
hood. Prior to his father's death considerable attention was paid
to the raising of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, but of late years
Mr. Parkison has followed general diversified farming. He has one
of the fine farms of Marion Township, comprising 285 acres, with
an attractive home and all the facilities and conveniences that make
country life comfortable. He is a republican in politics, though
never a seeker for public office. Fraternally he is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been affiliated with
that order for more than twenty-five years.
Sampson Ravenscroft. Few people have continuously
witnessed and participated in the development and change that
have occurred in Carpenter Township during the past six decades.
It is the distinction of Sampson Ravenscroft and of his venerable
mother, now a nonogenarian, to have lived on one farm, only a
few miles from the Village of Remington, ever since the fall of 1855.
Sampson Ravenscroft at that time was only a child, but he has a
keen recollection of many items in the pioneer experience and
has himself done not a little toward the breaking up of wild virgin
soil, the felling of timber, the clearing up of ground and planting
it for the first time in grain and making it over to the uses and
benefits of civilization.
His father was the late Edward Ravenscroft, a son of John
Ravenscroft, who was of German descent. Edward was born in
Virginia, November 25, 181 1, and for a number of years lived in
Hampshire County in that part of old Virginia subsequently
detached and made into the new state of West Virginia. From
Hampshire County he brought his little family in the fall of 1855
out to Carpenter Township, Section 17, Range 6, West, and located
on the very farm where his son Sampson and his venerable widow
now reside. Edward Ravenscroft was a farmer nearly all his life,
voted the republican ticket after the organization of that party, but
aside from casting his ballot as intelligently as possible took no part
in politics. He and his wife were members of the United Brethren
Church. Edward Ravenscroft died May 26, 1900, when well
upwards of ninety years of age, and was laid to rest in the Reming-
ton Cemetery.
On August 11, 1842, in Hampshire County, Virginia, Edward
Ravenscroft and Sarah Flick were united in marriage. She is also
of part German descent, and a daughter of Henry and Nancy
(Spencer) Flick. To their union were born eight children: Mary
J. married J. F. Irwin, and they live in Rensselaer; David married
Sophia Cross, and they live in Gray, Oklahoma ; Sampson was the
third in order of birth; Sarah A. is the wife of J. F. Rank, and
living in Chicago; Nancy C. married A. M. Horner, and they live
at Kingman, Kansas ; Henry K. lives in Bentonville, Arkansas, and
married Hattie Cross; Jasper B. is now deceased; Isabella M. is
the wife of G. L. Parks and lives in Milroy Township.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 361
There is no person now living in Carpenter Township who
surpasses in length of years Mrs. Edward Ravenscroft, who was
born April 27, 1822, and is now in her ninety- fourth year. James
Monroe was President of the United States when she was born, and
in the span of her life the American frontier has been extended
from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Coast, and all the great
inventions and improvements which have transformed the world
have taken place.
Sampson Ravenscroft, who still occupies the old farm and
lives with his mother, in deference to whose wishes he has never
married, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, December 5,
1848. Farming has been his chosen vocation, and he has been
known as an upright, industrious and capable citizen, as a boy he
remembers the old time wagons with their linchpin and recalls the
introduction of practically every improved device for cultivating the
land and harvesting the crops, from the cradle and the wooden
moldboard plow down to the modern self-binder and the gasoline
tractor. He and his mother have a fine farm of eighty acres situated
2^ miles northeast of Remington. When they came to this com-
munity sixty years ago there was only one close neighbor, a Mr.
Kennard and family. Mr. Ravenscroft is a republican, but never
sought office, and has no membership in secret orders or church.
Lewis S. Alter. By his character and achievement this well
known citizen of Jasper County has upheld and advanced the
prestige of a family name that has been significantly prominent and
influential in connection with civic and industrial development and
progress in this favored section of Indiana, and that has been
worthily linked with American annals since the Colonial era of our
national history. He whose name initiates this paragraph resides on
the old homestead farm which was the place of his birth, in Section
21, Range 7 West, Carpenter Township, Jasper County, and he not
only owns and gives supervision to one of the valuable landed
estates of his native county, but has also held for many years
distinct precedence as one of the representative surveyors and civil
engineers of Northern Indiana, his services in his profession having
extended greatly beyond the limitations of his native county. Both
as an honored and influential citizen and as a scion of one of the
sterling pioneer families of Jasper County is he specially entitled
to recognition in this publication, and it may further be said that he
has shown deep interest in his family genealogy, has devoted much
time and attention to tracing and recording interesting ancestral
data, and is at the present time historian of the Alter family
organization, the annual reunions of which have become occasions
of more than ordinary historic interest. Mr. Altar has at the present
time the distinction of being the oldest native-born resident of
Carpenter Township. He was born on the 22d of June, 1851, and is
a son of John and Mary Ann (Chamberlin) Alter.
362 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
The original American projenitors of the Alter family came from
Hesse-Darmstaclt, Germany, and they were George Heinrich Alter,
who was born in or near Hesse-Darmstadt, and his two sons, Johan
Jacob and George Friedrich. George Heinrich Alter was born about
the year 1720, as nearly as can be determined by records extant,
and in 1753 he came with his two sons to America, the voyage hav-
ing been initiated when they embarked at Rotterdam, Holland, on
the sailing vessel that bore the name of "Beulah," and that was
commanded by Captain Rickey. On page 380 of Volume XIII,
Pennsylvania Archives, it is recorded that Johan Jacob and George
Friedrich Alter were qualified as citizens, at Philadelphia, September
10, 1753. Johan Jacob Alter took the oath of allegiance at Euphrata,
as of Cocallico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1788,
as shown on page 46 of the same volume of the Pennsylvania
Archives; and in Volume X, page 414, Second Series of the Penn-
sylvania Archives, it is shown that he was enrolled in the Army of
the Revolution, in the Second Battalion, Pennsylvania Line, United
States Infantry. Johan Jacob Alter seems to have eliminated his
first personal name and the greater part of the official records per-
taining to him designate him simply as Jacob Alter. From the
report of the committee on history of the Alter family presented at
the family reunion of 1900, and subsequently issued in pamphlet
form, are taken the following pertinent statements : "In the Third
Series of the Pennsylvania Archives, Volume II, page 608, in the
list of 'Soldiers Entitled to Donation Lands,' for military services,
we find 'Jacob Alter, private Second Infantry, 200 acres.' We have
not been able to find any record at Harrisburg showing that this
land was ever taken, and we may assume that our ancestor did not
care to be compensated for serving his country."
Between the years 1760 and 1767 Jacob Alter married Margaret
Landis, daughter of Henry and Veronica (Graafe) Landis, and of
the ten children of this union John, the second in order of birth,
was the grandfather of him whose name initiates this article. John
Alter was born September 13, 1771, and he married Helenor Sheets.
Concerning the children of Jacob and Margaret (Landis) Alter
the following authentic data are entitled to preservation in this
connection: Veronica, born October 9, 1769, married Lawrence La
Fever; John, born September 13, 1771, married Helenor Sheets;
Jacob, born January 1, 1773, married Elizabeth Foutz; David, born
February 7, 1775, married Elizabeth Mell; Esther, born February
28, 1777, married Michael Baer; Samuel, bern March 17, 1779, died
young; Susanna, born October 30, 1780, married Joseph Ritner;
Henry, born October 25, 1784, married Maria Elizabeth Reinhard;
Abraham, born March 13, 1787, died unmarried; and Margaret,
born March 23, 1790, became the wife of a Mr. McCullough.
Margaret (Landis) Alter, mother of the above named children,
was a daughter of Henry and Veronica (Graafe) Landis. Henry
Landis was a son of Benjamin Landis, who came from Switzerland
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 363
and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, prior to the year
1720, and who took up 800 acres of land; he was a preacher of
the Mennonite denomination. The wife of Henry Landis was a
daughter of Hans Graafe, who came from Switzerland in 1696,
first locating in Philadelphia, and eventually becoming an extensive
landholder and influential citizen of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Jacob Alter disposed of his holding in Lancaster County, Penn-
sylvania, in 1779, when he removed with his family to Cumberland
County, where he established a mill and acquired large tracts of
land, a portion of which is still in the possession of his descendants.
Within the first decade of the nineteenth century Jacob Alter
removed to Washington County, where he purchased property and
where he died prior to August, 18 15. He represented Cumberland
County in seven consecutive sessions of the Pennsylvania Legisla-
ture, 1799-1805. It may be noted that his son-in-law, Joseph Ritner,
was elected governor of Pennsylvania in 1835, and served until 1839.
His name, it has been said, "will be classed by Pennsylvania among
the noblest on her long list, for his well-timed and determined sup-
port of the free school." In his annual message of 1836 he discussed
the slavery question in a manner that caused the poet Whittier to
write a stirring lyric of appreciation and addressed to Governor
Ritner.
John Alter, Jr., son of John, who was a son of Jacob mentioned
in the foregoing paragraphs, was born in Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, on the 1st of July, 1801. He was reared and edu-
cated in the old Keystone State, where he continued his residence
until 1836, when he came to Indiana and numbered himself among
the pioneer settlers of Greenfield Township, Hancock County. He
and his family removed to Howard County about 1840, and he
himself, with the other members of his family, settled in Carpenter
Township, Jasper County, in 1858. But his two sons, John and
David, came to Jasper County in 1846, and they were the first to
settle on the Grand Prairie and at some distance from the timbered
sections of the county.
John Alter (II) first married Miss Charity Van Ausdall, and
they became the parents of eight children, concerning whom the
following brief data are available: Helen M. was the first ordained
female minister of the Methodist Protestant Church in the United
States, and continued her active service as a minister for nearly
thirty years prior to her death ; John W., Isaac V. and David are
deceased; Mrs. Esther Smith is a resident of the State of Colorado;
and Hannah, Jacob and Benjamin are deceased.
After the death of his first wife John Alter (II) wedded Lucinda
J. Black, daughter of Samuel Black of Howard County, and they
became the parents of two children, Isabel J., who is now deceased,
and Nancy J., who died in infancy. The second wife did not survive
many years, and on the 4th of January, 1749, John Alter was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Chamberlin, daughter of Joseph
364 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
and Margaret Chamberlin, of Tippecanoe County, her father having
been the first hotel-keeper at Bradford, now the City of Monon,
White County. Of the eight children of this marriage the first-
born, Joseph L., died in infancy; Lewis S. is the immediate subject
of this review; Catherine L., Margaret L. and Martha D. are
deceased; James L. is a member of the family circle of his brother
Lewis S. ; Lacy E. is a resident of the City of Boise, Idaho ; and
Mrs. Mary C. Tolles maintains her home at Lansing, the capital
of the State of Michigan.
John Alter (II) was a man of strong and vigorous mentality
and his life was ordered upon the highest plane of integrity and
honor. He had served zealously as a preacher of the Methodist
Protestant Church, was an implacable adversary of the liquor traffic,
and in the climacteric period leading up to the Civil war he was an
ardent abolitionist. This honored pioneer of Jasper County died
on his old homestead farm, in Carpenter Township, on the 15th
of October, 1876, and his mortal remains rest in the old family
graveyard, on the homestead place. It may consistently be noted
that his brother, Dr. David Alter, with the assistance of his niece,
Miss Helenor Alter, invented and placed in operation successfully,
in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, in 1837, an electric tele-
graph system, this being six years before Morse obtained his patent
for similar instruments. At a later date Doctor Alter made import-
ant discoveries in spectral analysis, and he published a treatise on
the same, though Professor Wykhoff, of Germany, received credit
for the discoveries, notwithstanding that his experiments and
research were made several years later. Dr. Simon Alter, a younger
brother, became a prominent physician and representative citizen of
Rensselaer, Indiana.
Prior to her marriage Mrs. Mary Ann (Chamberlin) Alter, a
woman of most gracious personality and of excellent intellectual
attainments, had the distinction of being the teacher of the first
school established south of Renssalaer in Jasper County. This was
a subscription school and its dignified sessions were held in a primi-
tive log house about three miles northeast of the present Village of
Remington, in the year 1848. The first definite school house erected
for the purpose south of Rensselaer was a log building situated at
the crossroads in Section 13, Range 7 West, Carpenter Town-
ship, where Moses Sigo now has his substantial farm residence.
In 1858, 1859 and i860 Mrs. Mary Ann Alter taught school in her
own home, and in the summer of i860 she presided over the classes
in a public school maintained for two months in the barn on the
Alter farm. Her death occurred March 22, 1889, and her remains
rest beside those of her husband in the old family cemetery in
Carpenter Township.
It was the privilege of Lewis S. Alter to be reared in a home
of distinctive intellectual atmosphere and marked refinement, and
in addition to profiting duly from the lessons received at the hands
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 365
of his devoted mother he availed himself fully of the advantages of
the schools of his native county, besides which his studies in higher
and technical lines gave him his ultimate facility and prestige as a
surveyor and civil engineer, the work of his profession having re-
ceived his attention for fully thirty-five years. He served six years as
county surveyor of Jasper County ; for four years he had virtual
charge of the office of county surveyor of St. Joseph County, in the
City of South Bend, where he served simultaneously as assistant
city engineer ; and for three years he held, under the administration
of Edward Hamilton and the latter's son, John J., a similar position
in the office of the county surveyor of Newton County, besides which
he has been retained as an authority and expert in practical engineer-
ing in several other Indiana counties, his work having thus covered
a Targe field and much of it having been of important order.
In 1882 Mr. Alter was the dominating figure in effecting the
organization of the Indiana Engineering Society, whose membership
comprises the various county surveyors and other civil engineers
of the state, and this has the distinction of being one of the oldest
and most vigorous in the United States. He was elected the first
vice president of the society and thereafter served several years
as its secretary. He is now a retired honorary member of this
organization. Mr. Alter is historian of the Alter family, and is at the
present time engaged in compiling a comprehensive and authoritative
genealogical record of the various branches of the family. He has
been a close and appreciative student from his early years to the
present time, and his private library is the largest and most select
to be found in Carpenter Township. It may be noted that his
cousin, Hon. George E. Alter, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is serv-
ing as speaker of the House of Representatives of the Pennsylvania
Legislature in 191 5 and that his name is being prominently brought
forward in connection with the republican nomination for governor
of the old Keystone State. John E. Alter, a nephew of the subject
of this review, is possessed of much literary ability and is the author
of several volumes, written under the nom de plume of "Bill Bat."
For seven years prior to engaging in the work of his profession
as a civil engineer Mr. Alter was a successful and popular teacher
in the public schools, having taught one year in the State of Iowa,
and the remaining six years in the district schools of his native
county. He has been in the most significant sense the artificer of
his own fortune, for he received by inheritance from the family
estate only $125. He is now the owner of a valuable landed estate
of 280 acres in Jasper County, and this includes the old homestead of
eighty acres which his father purchased from the Government at
the rate of $1.25 an acre and which constitutes his present place of
residence, on Rural Mail Route No. 1, from the Village of Good-
land. The present stone house occupied by him was completed in
1861, and was the first stone dwelling erected in the county. It
is known for its hospitality. As a citizen Mr. Alter has been insist-
366 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
ently progressive and public-spirited, and his co-operation has been
given in support of measures and enterprises advanced for the gen-
eral good of the community, his political allegiance being given to
the republican party. He has long been an influential and zealous
member of the Mount Hope Church, Methodist Protestant, of which
he is a trustee, and his devoted wife likewise was an earnest member
of the same for many years prior to her death, which occurred June
21, 191 3, the mortal remains of this gentle and loved woman being
interred in the family- cemetery of which mention has been made
in preceding paragraphs. Mr. Alter is affiliated with both the lodge
and encampment bodies of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
at Remington, and has passed the various official chairs in the same.
On the 17th of February, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. Alter to Miss Sarah Ellen Nash, a daughter of James and
Minerva J. (Keesling) Nash, of Gillam Township, Jasper County.
Of the ten children of this union all survive the devoted mother
with the exception of the ninth child, Jesse. The names of the
others are here entered in respective order of birth : John J., Mary
B., Charles B., Minnie D., Christmas E., Lewis F., Myrtle E., Lacy
H., and Lester D. Mary B. is the wife of Robert H. Stanley, and
they reside at LaCrosse, LaPorte County; Lewis F., who resides
in the vicinity of Burge, Nebraska ; Minnie D. is a trained nurse by
profession and resides in the City of LaFayette, Indiana. Mr. Alter
wedded for his second wife Mrs. Cynthia A. (Musgrove) Price,
February 17, 1916. She is a native of Howard County, Indiana.
Her first marriage was with Mr. E. Price, and two living children,
both daughters, were born. The eldest is Marie, the wife of Walter
Baugher, of Kokomo, Indiana, a plumber. They have one son, Ray-
mond. Dorothy resides with her mother. Mrs. Alter is a member
of the Holiness Church.
William Darroch. As a mark of their appreciation for his
services as supervising editor for Newton County in the prepara-
tion of this publication, the publishers desire to present, among
many other sketches, the following outline of the career of William
Darroch, who has been identified with local citizenship the greater
part of his life and whose place and standing in the community
are too well known to require comment.
He was born December 31, 1848, at Rockville, Parke County,
Indiana, a son of John Darroch and a grandson of Daniel Darroch.
His grandfather came from North Carolina and his ancestors were
from the North of Scotland. John Darroch, who was born at
Paola, Orange County, Indiana, in 1820, located in Newton County
in 185 1. Though a graduate of the Indiana Law School at Bloom-
ington, he spent his active career as a farmer and stockman. He
became the father of nineteen children, sixteen of whom grew to
maturity and twelve of whom are still living. These were by two
wives, six by the first and thirteen by the second. William Darroch's
(f^
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JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 367
mother was Caroline Puett, of Rockville, Indiana, and a daughter of
Austin M. Puett, a pioneer from North Carolina.
William Darroch grew up on his father's farm in Newton
County, and received a thorough practical training in the industry
of cattle raising. He was too young for service in the Civil war,
though two of his older brothers went into the Union army, and
their absence from home threw upon his young shoulders at the
age of fourteen the duties and responsibilities of a grown man.
Many years later when the country fought its next war with Spain,
Mr. Darroch was too old for service. From 1871 to 1874
Mr. Darroch was a student in old Asbury, now DePauw University
at Greencastle, Indiana, and was graduated with the class of 1874
Bachelor of Science. In connection with other studies he took the
law course, and his career ever since he began practice in the spring
of 1875 has been primarily devoted to this great profession. How-
ever, he followed the business to which he was trained as a boy, that
of a cattle raiser, in connection with farming interests, until 1892.
The distinctive feature of Mr. Darroch's career as a lawyer has
been its uninterrupted activity for a period of more than forty years.
He has the record of not having missed a single term of court in
Newton County since he started practice, and of having pioneered
the work of all public improvement in the county authorized by
statute. He has been engaged in many important cases, and of
special note was his work from 1887 to J^9 in securing, through
an act of the Indiana Legislature, the title to about 16,000 acres
of land in Newton County, known as the bed of Beaver Lake. This
litigation involved some very interesting history on the subject of
land titles.
He has also been fairly successful in a business way, though this
success has been more of an incident to than a purpose of his life.
He now owns three good farms, comprising 634 acres, has been a
director in the Discount and Deposit State Bank since its organiza-
tion in 1908, and is a director of the Newton County Stone Company,
having become interested in 1913 in the development of its stone
quarry near Kentland, which has already become a successful insti-
tution and has furnished some fine road material for public high-
ways and is contributing to the development of Newton County,
already noted for its excellent highways.
The only public office to which Mr. Darroch was ever elected was
that of township trustee of Beaver Township. He held that office
two successive terms. It was a case where the voters laid aside
their politics for the purpose of having the affairs of the township,
which had become embarrassed, rendered financially sound. It
required four years to accomplish this. At the outset of his term
the debts of the special school fund exceeded the value of all the
school property real and personal in the township. At the end
of four years Mr. Darroch turned over to his successor a township
free from debt and with a fair working balance in all the funds.
368 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
That was accomplished without any excessive taxation. In 1890
he was appointed by Governor Mathews judge of the Thirtieth
Judicial Circuit of the state, but served only four months, being
defeated at the next regular election. Mr. Darroch is a democrat,
and the fact that his locality has been strongly republican accounts
for the brevity of his political record. He has always been inter-
ested in politics, believing it a civic duty to do so, and has usually
accepted such nomination as has been conferred by his party, though
without expectation of success. He was candidate for Congress
from the Tenth Congressional District in 1906 and again in 1908, and
though failing of election he had the satisfaction of reducing the
normal majority of his opponent much below that given in previous
years. He was a delegate to the National, Democratic Convention
from the Tenth Congressional District of Indiana in 191 6. Mr. Dar-
roch never had but one fraternal affiliation, and that was with
the Knights of Pythias. While not a member he has been a con-
tributor to religious organizations, and he is a working member of
the Hazel Den Golf Club, the golf club maintained by George Ade
on his farm in Newton County.
On July 23, 1878, Mr. Darroch married Emma V. Sammons,
who was born at Wellandport, Canada. To their marriage have
been born two daughters, Ethel M. and Laura V. Ethel is married
and has two sons, William and Robert.
Edgar L. Bruce. Here is a name that has been identified with
Jasper County more than sixty years. It has become honored and
respected through long years of successive industry, business integ-
rity and moral character. Few families of the county have been
longer established, and none have borne their part in community
affairs with greater credit to themselves and with more practical
usefulness to the community than the Bruces. The late Henry C.
Bruce was an early settler, a thrifty farmer and stock man, develop-
ing a large tract of land and becoming known all over this part
of Indiana for his ability in handling stock, and he left a fine
family to honor his memory and to continue the good work begun
by him in the early days. Two of his brothers, Lawrence and
Charles Bruce, accompanied him to Lafayette, Indiana. Lawrence
Bruce died in Rensselaer in 1852, at the age of about forty-
five years, and he had served as county recorder. Charles Bruce
died in Lawrence, Kansas, about 1855. He had been a very
successful lumber merchant there for about forty years. Henry
Bruce was a well educated man, and taught school for five years in
or near Lafayette. From there he came to Delphi, where he
followed mercantile pursuits for four years, and then took up his
residence in Jasper County, Indiana. One of his sons whose life
has been spent in the same honorable activity in Jasper County
is Edgar L. Bruce. The latter was born June 14, 1851, and his
birthplace is in easy view of his present residence in Marion Town-
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 369
ship of Jasper County. He is one of the six living children in a
family of eight born to Henry C. and Harriet E. (Babcock) Bruce,
his father having been born near Rutland, Vermont, and his mother
near Rochester, New York. The names of their children were : El-
bert J., who died at the age of twenty-two ; Edgar L. ; Annette, who
is now Mrs. Warren B. Rowley and lives in South Dakota; Ruby,
Mrs. George Barcus of Wabash, Indiana; Adaline, Mrs. B. E.
Comer of Union Township, Jasper County ; Charles F., who
married Anna Wilson and lives in California ; George, who mar-
ried Edna Watson of Stuttgart, Arkansas; and Harry, who died
when three years of age. All but the last of these children grew to
useful manhood and womanhood, and they were all school teachers
at some time in their lives. Henry C. Bruce, who was reared as
a farmer with New England antecedents, came west to Indiana in
the late '30s or early '40s, and for a time was engaged in teaching in
the public schools of Lafayette. Subsequently he was in the mer-
cantile business at Delphi. In the latter part of the '40s he removed
to Jasper County, which though it had been organized in 1837 still
had a population to the square mile hardly as great as will now
be found in the semi-arid districts of the Far West. Thus he came
upon the stage of pioneer life in Jasper County, and was able to
secure 640 acres of land direct from the government at the regula-
tion price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. His land was in
Sections 4 and 5 in Marion Township, southeast of Rensselaer, a
part of which family estate is now owned by his son Edgar L.
Bruce. Henry C. Bruce on securing this land built from rough
lumber a house of limited comforts and conveniences, and started
the heavy task of clearing and improving his land. His lot was that
of the early pioneer, with all its hardships and privations, and he
was a factor in the many changes that occurred during the last
half of the nineteenth century, spent his later years in prosperity
and comfort and died in April, 1900. He was a man above the
average even of the hardy pioneers. He possessed a collegiate
education, and was always well informed on the subject of current
interests. He joined the Baptist Church at Lafayette about 1848,
and after removing to Jasper County became one of the organizers
of the Missionary Baptist Church at Rensselaer, in which church
he held office and active membership to the day of his death. While
living on and occupying the large farm, he was essentially a stock
man. He raised large herds of cattle and sheep, and proved un-
usually skillful and successful in handling stock. Physically he
was a large man, stood six feet in his stockings, had a corresponding
vigor and vitality, and his many sterling qualities commanded the
respect of an entire community. In the early days, like his neigh-
bors, the latchstring of his home was always on the outside for the
wayfarer, and it is said that no one ever left his home hungry.
Though a strong republican, he was never an aspirant for public
office. He died at Rensselaer at the home of a married daughter.
370 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
With the example of his father before him, Edgar L. Bruce
has spent all his life in Jasper County, and is a product of its early
institutions and environment. His education came from the
neighboring district schools, and like the other children he qualified
himself for the duties of a teacher. He started out for himself
at the age of twenty-one, though still making his home with his
parents. On March i, 1877, he was married to Miss Kansas Lefler,
a daughter of Michael and Jane (Overton) Lefler, who were Jasper
County farmers. To their marriage were born three children :
Lora L., wife of John G. Culp; Harley, who lives near Crawfords-
ville, Indiana; and Lawson L., whose home is in Rensselaer.
The attractive farm home of Mr. Bruce comprises 200 acres of
land and practically his entire life has been spent in the immediate
neighborhood of his birth. He is a republican of the stalwart
kind, while he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church of
Rensselaer.
George Culp. Of those names which are identified with the
very earliest settlement of Jasper County that of Culp is one that
claims attention, and on other pages various references are made to
the Culps in Barkley Township.
The founder of the family was George Culp, who was born in
West Virginia, or as it was then western Virginia, March 8, 1800.
He grew up in his home state, and on December 7, 1827, married
Mary Burton. His brother-in-law was Samuel Randle, another of
the most prominent pioneers of Jasper County, whose sketch will
be found on other pages. Culp and Randle both emigrated from
the East to Indiana in 1832, and in the fall of 1834, leaving their
families in Tippecanoe County, they came into what is now Bark-
ley Township of Jasper County and spent several months in cutting
hay and building log cabins, to which they removed their families
in the following year. George Culp and wife had the following
children : Harriett Ann, William G., James, Elizabeth J., Maria,
John T., Matilda P., Nancy R., Rachel J. and Walter. Of these
Rachel J., Walter and John T. are still living. George Culp the
pioneer died April 18, 1847, survived by his widow until October
22, 187 1. Both were Methodist Church people and were among
the first members of that society in Jasper County.
Of the children of George Culp and wife, John T. Culp was
born December 2, 1836, and is one of the oldest native sons of
Jasper County, having been born in Barkley Township before the
formal organization of Jasper County. He is a man of many
interesting recollections, and recalls some of his early experiences
with farming methods long since obsolete. In the early days he
watched the men thresh the wheat by driving horses around over
the unthreshed straw, trampling out the grain with their feet. He
has also seen the work so familiar among the pioneers of hackling
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 371
flax. He grew up in Barkley Township and for seventy-three years
lived on the place where he was born, a substantial farm of ninety-
eight acres. The last six years he has spent retired in Rensselaer.
John T. Culp married Mrs. Victoria (Wade) Tennehill. Their
two children were : Ursula, who died in early childhood ; and
John G., who is a farmer of Marion Township.
John G. Culp was born May 20, 1874. He was married April
10, 1912, to Lora L. Bruce, daughter of Edgar L. Bruce. Mr. and
Mrs. John G. Culp have one daughter, Mary Kathryn, born Decem-
ber 6, 1913.
B. Frank Alter. The Alter family has been identified with
Jasper County since the period of early settlement and develop-
ment. The members in the different generations have been known
as successful farmers, as men of enterprise in an industrial direc-
tion, and always as citizens of irreproachable character and effec-
tive public spirit.
One of the well known residents of Rensselaer is B. Frank
Alter, who was born in Clinton County, Indiana, February 28, 1865.
His father, Benjamin F. Alter was born in Pennsylvania Febru-
ary 8, 1835, a son of John Alter. The Alters came to this part of
Northwestern Indiana in pioneer times, John Alter locating in
Carpenter Township, where he did some effective work in clearing
up a tract of land and spent many years as a farmer in that local-
ity. A son, Benjamin F. Alter, was a machinist by trade, and this
genius for mechanics has been an important factor in the various
moves and activities of the family. In early days Benjamin F.
Alter operated a sawmill, finally removed to Clinton County, con-
ducted a tile factory there, and returning to Jasper County was
for three years at the head of the tile factory which for many years
has been located as an institution two miles north of Rensselaer.
Benjamin F. Alter gave some service as a soldier during the clos-
ing months of the Civil war, enlisting in the 154th Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry in Company E. He married Louisa V. Sims, and of
their eight children two are now deceased. When Benjamin F.
Alter died in Clinton County on December 4, 1914, he left a record
which may properly be prized by his descendants. As a boy he had
limited advantages in the way of schools, but was almost a con-
stant reader and from this source and by a faculty of keen observa-
tion he gained a somewhat unusual knowledge of men and affairs
and of passing events. He was hard working, and that quality was
the foundation of his success, and in his lifetime he had accumulated
property to the value of about $40,000, a very comfortable fortune.
Fraternally he was affiliated with the Masonic Order and was a
member of the Baptist Church.
B. Frank Alter spent his early life on the farm, and gained
372 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
his education in the public schools and at Franklin College. Possess-
ing good native business ability, he has applied himself successfully
to a varied line of enterprises. For a time he operated a sawmill
in North Carolina and for eight years had the management of the
tile factory located two miles north of Rensselaer. For several
years his home has been in Rensselaer and his somewhat extensive
interests in farming and other affairs give him ample occupation
for his time and energies. He is the owner of eighty acres of land
in Jasper County and also has some property in Clinton County.
In politics Mr. Alter is a democrat. He was married December
24, 1905, to Miss Maude Hemphill, daughter of Marcus H. and
Matilda J. (Baker) Hemphill of Rensselaer, and Mrs. Alter is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Moses F. French. While not a native son of Jasper County,
Moses F. French has for fully forty years been identified with its
agricultural activities and its material improvements, and having
endured nearly all the hardships which went with pioneer farm-
ing in this section of Indiana, he is well entitled to the rewards of
peaceful retirement, which he now enjoys in the village of Reming-
ton. His own labor has been the measure of his success, and his
has been a steady upward progress since he left home during his
youth.
His is one of the old American families. His grandfather,
Aaron French, was born September 8, 1739, nearly half a century
before the American colonies were united under the constitution as
a Union of States. He died August 31, 1805, at Amity, Penn-
sylvania. The father of the Remington octogenarian was Asa
French, who was the seventh child by Aaron French's marriage to
Mary Clark. Asa was born July 8, 1780, in Essex County, New
Jersey, and died August 9, 1845, in Miami County, Ohio. He
moved from Greene County, Pennsylvania, to Miami County, Ohio,
in 181 1, and was one of the very early settlers in that part of the
Buckeye State. In 1801 he married for his first wife Sarah Jackson
who was born April 24, 1780, and died March 26, 1820. She became
the mother of eleven children. Asa French married for his second
wife Hannah Davis, who was born February 19, 1800, near Lex-
ington, Kentucky, and died near Troy, Ohio, March 5, 1883. The
oldest living child of Asa French is Mrs. Sarah French Ripley, who
is now living at Brookston and is probably the oldest person in
White County. She was born June 25, 1825. By his second
marriage Asa French had twelve children, and altogether was the
father of twenty-three. He followed farming as his occupation,
was an energetic and hard working citizen, and came of the strong,
long lived stock that is characteristic of this family.
The seventh of his mother's twelve children, Moses Frazer
French was born February 21, 1832, near Troy, Miami County,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 373
Ohio. His lifetime covers a period of more than fourscore years,
and his birth occurred while Andrew Jackson was still president
of the United States. As a boy he had limited schooling in such
institutions as were maintained on the subscription plan in his native
section of Ohio, and most of his discipline came by hard work on
the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age. In 1856
Mr. French came to Indiana and located in Prairie Township of
White County, where he engaged in farming until erysipelas
crippled him for that work and he then returned to Miami County.
From i860 to 1865 ne employed his time in teaching school in his
native county, and then returned to Prairie Township, White
County.
On March 6, 1866, Mr. French married Martha Catherine
Jordan. Her father, William Jordan was one of the very early
settlers in White County. Mrs. French died October 7, 1878, and is
buried in the Gilboa Cemetery in Benton County. There is only one
child by her marriage, Independence, now the wife of Harry Bal-
this, a paymaster in the United States navy, and their home is at
Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Balthis have three children, Madge M.,
Edith and Herbert. On August 2, 1888, Mr. French married for
his second wife Sarah Belle Pitts. Her family were also among the
early settlers of White County.
After his first marriage Mr. French engaged in the lumber busi-
ness for one year at Brookston, then conducted a general store there
for more than three years, and from town moved on to a farm in
West Point Township of White County. That was his home until
the fall of 1875, when he came to Carpenter Township in Jasper
County, locating just outside the city limits of Remington. That
has been his home ever since, and out of his hard work and thrifty
management of farm and other business matters he has effected a
competence. Mr. French still owns about seventy acres of land and
has considerable town property in Remington.
Though not a politician, Mr. French has long been identified with
the republican party, practically ever since its organization, filled a
place on the town board of Brookston and was one of the school
trustees there. For years he has steadily exerted all his influence
in behalf of better roads, the construction of ditches for drainage,
and every improvement that would make this a better district.
Though past eighty years of age, Mr. French is a wonderfully well
preserved man, is large and strong and has a heart as big as his
body.
Samuel Long and Abram F. Long. Very few people now
living can recall the time when the site of Rensselaer was covered by
only a few houses and its importance as a trading community meas-
ured by the possession of one store. Such was the condition in
1848 when Samuel Long, one of the pioneers of Jasper County, first
374 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
located there. Continuously since that date, a period of more than
sixty-five years, some member of the Long family has been actively
identified with the life and enterprise of Jasper and Newton
Counties. One of the oldest and best known business men of Rens-
selaer is Abram F. Long, son of the pioneer just mentioned.
The first settler, Samuel Long, was born in the State of Mary-
land in 1824 and there grew to manhood and served an apprentice-
ship at the tailor's trade, though he never followed that as a voca-
tion. In early manhood he made a journey through the West, and
was so attracted by the appearance of the country around Rens-
selaer that he decided to locate there permanently. In a short time
he left Rensselaer and moved to Newton Township in Jasper County
and began farming on rented land. His steady industry finally
brought him landed possessions of his own, and some years later
he moved to Newton County, and for many years was one of the
solid farmers of this section.
His first marriage was with a Miss Stewart, who became the
mother of a son and a daughter, both of them now deceased. After
her death Samuel Long married Sarah Ann Freeland, whose parents
were early settlers in Jasper County. To their marriage were
born five children, and the three that reached maturity were Abram
FM Edward and Addie, the last being the wife of W. W. Miller
of Mount Ayr.
The late Samuel Long had a characteristic which he probably
inherited from his Southern environment when a youth and which
made his home one of pleasant associations for many people out-
side his own family, and that was hospitality. He stood high
in the community as a neighbor and a citizen, and although a demo-
crat living in a normal republican community, his personal char-
acter elevated him above the ordinary party prejudices so that he
was frequently elected to township offices. He was affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in religion was a be-
liever in the doctrines of the Hard Shell Baptists. His rigid hon-
esty and scrupulous integrity were pronounced, and for this reason
his career is one most satisfying to contemplate, though he never
acquired great wealth. He was a man of clean habits and moral
ideals, and left behind him a stainless name. He died March 13,
1895, and his widow survived him until February 8, 1910.
His son Abram F. Long has for many years been proprietor of
the leading drug store at Rensselaer. He was born November 7,
1862, on the old homestead in Newton Township of Jasper County,
and was reared there and in Newton County, whither his parents
removed when he was a boy. His early education came from the
public schools, and when about eighteen he acquired his first ex-
perience in the business which has subsequently become his per-
manent vocation by hiring out as a clerk in a drug store at Rens-
selaer. A year later he returned to the home farm and assisted
in its cultivation until he was twenty-two. In 1883 he again came
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 375
to Rensselaer as a drug clerk, followed that employment three years,
and then with an eye to the future took a short course in the Chi-
cago School of Pharmacy. This was followed by another experi-
ence as a clerk, and in 1886 he returned to the Chicago College of
Pharmacy from which he was graduated with his diploma in the
spring of 1887. As a registered, pharmacist he had some experi-
ence in the city of Chicago, and from thexe returned to Rensselaer
and became a partner in a local drug store. In 1890 he bought out
his partner, and since that time the drug store of A. F. Long has
been one of the business fixtures of Rensselaer, and its continuous
standing of a quarter of a century makes it one of the oldest con-
cerns in the city. About 1907 Mr. Long bought the ground and
erected the home of his present business.
On September 25, 1889, Mr. Long married Elizabeth Purcupile,
a daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (Howe) Purcupile. They
have one of the comfortable homes of Rensselaer and their marriage
has been blessed by the birth of two children : George A. and
Martha. The son, George A. Long, after graduating from the
Rensselaer High School spent two years in the University of Illi-
nois at Champaign. He later graduated from the College of
Pharmacy in Chicago, and is now associated with his father in the
drug business at Rensselaer. He married Miss Nell Moody, a
daughter of Granville Moody, of Rensselaer, and they have two
daughters, Elizabeth Jane and Eleanor Martin. Martha, the only
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Long, graduated from the Rensselaer
High School and then spent two years in the Women's College at
Oxford, Ohio. She is now the wife of Russell E. Strawbridge, of
Niagara Falls, New York, where he is an electrician. Mr. Long is
a popular member of the community, is affiliated with the Masonic
Lodge and the Knights of Pythias, in politics is a republican, and
he and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.
Louis H. FIamilton has filled a useful and honorable place in
Jasper County for many years. The record of his life is one that
affords lessons of incentive to young men who start out without
influential family connections and with no means beyond their
individual ability to make a mark in the world.
At the age of two years Louis Hayes Hamilton was left an
orphan in Indianapolis, and spent the next six years in an orphan
home. He was then placed with a farmer, John G. Culp, in Barkley
Township of Jasper County, and remained in his home until he was
fourteen, when he ran away, and has since been the sole guide
'of his individual destiny. Flard manual labor was naturally an
important part of his early experience, but while working in a tile
factory he lost his right arm at the age of fifteen and had to turn
his energies in another direction. He sought an education, and
376 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
in 1 89 1 graduated from the Rensselaer High School, and subse-
quently attended the Valparaiso University and the Indiana State
Normal School at Terre Haute.
A great many people in Jasper and other counties of the state
know Mr. Hamilton best through his long associations with educa-
tional affairs. He holds a life state teacher's license. He taught
many terms of school in the various districts of Jasper County, and
from 1897 to 1907 administered the entire school system of the
county as county superintendent. During that time he was presi-
dent of the County Superintendents' State Association and was
also vice president of the Indiana State Teachers' Association.
Since 1908 Mr. Hamilton has been engaged in business affairs
at Rensselaer, and he has also read law and has been admitted to the
Indiana bar. All this is an encouraging record when the handicaps
and difficulties of his early life are taken into consideration.
Mr. Hamilton is a director in the Trust and Savings Bank of
Rensselaer, is a trustee of the public library and a trustee of the
County Hospital. Politically he is a republican. He is a past
chancellor of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, is a past noble grand
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has held the post
of inner guard in the Grand Lodge, and is past chief patriarch of
the Encampment. He is also a member of the Columbia Club of
Indianapolis. Mr. Hamilton is elder and president of the board
of the Christian Church at Rensselaer.
On September 24, 1894, in Hanging Grove Township of Jasper
County, he married Mary Robinson, daughter of George and
Rebecca Robinson. They have two children: Fred H. Hamilton,
who is twenty-one years of age, and is connected with the Daily
Courier-News at Fargo, North Dakota; and Marie Hamilton, aged
eighteen, and a student in Butler University.
The Peck Family. For the past forty years this family has
been one of prominence and influence in Jasper County, and its
representatives have been primarily identified with the civic and
business activities of the thriving village of Remington.
Daniel W. Peck, who figures as the founder of the family in
Jasper County, and who established his residence at Remington in
•the year 1875, traced his genealogy in a direct way back to Joseph
Peck, who, in company with a brother, Rev. Robert Peck, was
prompted in large measure by religious persecution to leave his
native England and seek the greater liberties of conscience and of
thought and action that were to be had in new and far distant
colonies of America. The two brothers thus came to this country
in the year 1638, and they established a home in the Massachusetts
colony, the family name having been one of prominence in New
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 377
England annals as one generation has followed another on to the
stage of life's activities, and numerous representatives of the name
having gone forth to uphold the prestige of an honored patronymic
in various other states of the Union.
Daniel W. Peck was born at Salem, Washington County,
Indiana, on the 29th of July, 1839, a date that indicates beyond all
peradventure that his parents were numbered among the early
pioneers of the Hoosier commonwealth. He was a son of Oliver
Peck and a grandson of Samuel Peck. In the county of his nativity
he was reared to manhood and there, on the nth of November,
1862, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Lockwood. He
initiated his business career as clerk in a store at Salem and later
engaged in the mercantile business in an independent way, in his
native county. At the time, within the period of the Civil war,
that General Morgan, the intrepid Confederate commander, made
his famous raids into Indiana and Ohio he made one of his dis-
tinctively unpopular visitations to the town of Salem, where he laid
heavy tribute on all who professed sympathy with the Union
cause. It was but natural that his depredations should touch with
special vigor Daniel W. Peck, who was then engaged in business at
that place, and who was not only ardent and fearless in his loyal
work and labors in behalf of the Union but who also had brothers
in active service as soldiers in the Federal ranks. The goods of
Mr. Peck's store were virtually confiscated by General Morgan and
his band of raiders, and such articles of the stock as they could not
carry away and utilize they effectually destroyed. Mr. Peck was
not discouraged in that he had thus to bear his quota of the hard-
ships of the war, but he replenished his store and again developed
a substantial business, only to meet heavy losses at later periods,
through burglary and fire.
In 1875, as previously intimated, Mr. Peck removed with his
family to Jasper County and established his home at Remington,
where he engaged in the general merchandise business. Adverse
conditions faced him in the new field of endeavor, for it is a matter
of well known local history that the years 1875, 1876 and 1877 were
marked by extreme financial depression and attendant panic and
distress in Jasper County. Crops were practical failures and credit
was an imperative element in the carrying on of retail mercantile
enterprises. Hundreds of families removed from this section of
Indiana to Kansas and other sections of the Union, virtually flee-
ing in consternation and with little preparation, besides which many
of them failed to make good their financial obligations in the old
homes prior to their hurried departure. The capitalistic resources
of Mr. Peck were limited and his widely extended credits made it
impossible to overcome the adverse forces when he was unable to
realize to an appreciable degree on these credits. Steadfast and
true in all of the relations of life, he again faced financial disaster
with fortitude, but while he measurably retrieved his fortunes there
378 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
can be little doubt that his successive encounters with the "slings
and arrows of outrageous fortune" did much to break down his
physical powers and to cause his death while in the prime of his
useful manhood. He passed away in November, 1885, and his
devoted wife survived him by nearly a score of years, she having
been summoned to eternal rest on the 29th of June, 1905, and hav-
ing continued to maintain her home at Remington until her demise.
All of the seven children were reared to maturity at Remington,
and individual mention of them is made in the appending para-
graphs.
Charles H. Peck, eldest of the children, was born at Salem,
Washington County, on the 2d of October, 1863, and thus was a lad
of twelve years at the time of the family removal to Remington,
where he continued his studies in the public schools and where he
began his business career as a youthful clerk in a local mercantile
establishment. In September, 1895, he initiated in a modest way
his independent activities as a merchant in Remington, and by fair
and honorable dealings, careful and effective service to patrons,
and progressive policies he developed within a comparatively brief
period a substantial business. In 1906 his establishment was con-
verted into a general department store, and in the conducting of the
large and representative business three rooms on the street level
are utilized, besides which the upper floor and basement of the
buildings are also demanded for the accommodation of the varied
stock and the proper service in the various departments. An idea
of the comprehensiveness of this admirably conducted business is
conveyed when it is stated that the valuation of the stock carried
may be conservatively placed at about $30,000 and that in the well-
appointed establishment, employment is given to a corps of seven
assistants. Mr. Peck holds secure prestige as one of the representa-
tive business men and loyal and public-spirited citizens of Jasper
County, and it may be said with all of consistency that he is at the
present time the leading merchant of Remington. He is affiliated
with the local organizations of the Masonic fraternity Remington
Lodge No. 351 and the Knights of Pythias Castle Hall No. 58.
Mr. Peck wedded Miss Alice Allman. In writing of her death a
local publication used the following well chosen words :
"Alice A. Allman, daughter of Josiah H. and Mary C. Allman,
was born at Navarre, Ohio, March 8, 1858, and passed away at
her late home in Remington, Ind., April 3, 1916.
"She was united in marriage to Charles H. Peck, June 13,
1886. To this union was born three children, Mrs. H. H. Bow-
man, of Monticello, and Fred Peck and Miss Laura Peck, of Rem-
ington.
"She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, Charles H. Peck,
the two daughters and one son just mentioned, her mother, Mrs.
Mary C. Allman, of Remington, her brother, Jesse Allman, of
Rensselaer, an only sister, Mrs. Ida Coover, of Denver, Colorado,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 379
and two grandchildren, besides a large number of other relatives.
Her circle of friends was bounded only by her acquaintances, and
her untimely taking away will cause sorrow and regret in the
hearts of all who knew her.
"Mrs. Peck was a Christian woman of the highest character
and of more than usual ability. For many years she was a faithful
and consecrated member of the Remington Christian Church and
she came to her death with unwavering faith in God. Her Chris-
tian life may well be an example to all Christians everywhere. She
not only measured up to the standards of Christian service, but as a
neighbor and friend she was ever steadfast and faithful. Her
quiet manner of suggesting sane advice on important questions, will
always be remembered by her friends. She will be missed by the
community at large and her place will not soon be filled. In the
home circle where she was loved most dearly, she will be missed
most sadly.
"Her going from this world was by way of the most excruci-
ating suffering, but we have a right to believe that she is now in a
land of eternal joy and sunshine. A perfect bower of flowers such
as one seldom sees on such an occasion, testified in a most beauti-
ful way of the esteem in which she was held.
"On Thursday, April 6th, a large concourse of friends gathered
at the late home to pay the last public tribute of love and respect
to her memory. The funeral sermon was preached by H. Randal
Lookabill, of Crawfordsville, who is a close friend of the family,
and for several years was Mrs. Peck's pastor. He was assisted by
Rev. Konkel, the present pastor of the Remington Christian Church.
The interment took place at the Remington Cemetery."
William E. Peck, the second son in this representative family
of Jasper County, became one of the most prominent and influential
citizens of the southern part of the county. For some time he held
the position of engineer for A. Wolcott & Son, engaged in the grain
business, and later he was associated with the business of the firm
of Hartley Brothers. Under the first administrative term of Presi-
dent McKinley Mr. Peck was appointed postmaster of Reming-
ton, and through successive reappointments he continued the in-
cumbent of this office for sixteen years. He was a man of large
physique, was genial, kindly, courteous and considerate, and his
circle of friends was coextensive with that of his acquaintances.
He was specially active in the Masonic fraternity and the Knights
of Pythias, and, like his father and brothers, was a stalwart advo-
cate of the cause of the republican party. In September, 19 14, he
removed with his family to beautiful Chautauqua County, New
York, where he had purchased a fine farm of 200 acres, but he was
not long permitted to enjoy the new home, for he died on the 12th
of Tanuary, 191 5, — the forty-ninth anniversary of his birth. His
wife, whose maiden name was Lottie E. Coover, survives him, as
do also their five children.
380 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Frank L. Peck was born in Washington County, this state, on
the 9th of October, 1874, and in the following year his parents re-
moved to Remington, where he has since maintained his home
and where his early educational advantages were those of the
excellent public schools. At the age of thirteen years he became a
clerical assistant in the drug store of E. H. Briggs, with whom he
remained about three years, after which he continued his services
in the same store, after the organization of the firm of Briggs &
Larsh, until 1895, when he engaged in the same line of business in
an individual way, his drug store being now one of the best in
the village, both in appointments and facilities, as well as in all
departments of its service. He is affiliated with the Masonic frater-
nity Remington Lodge No. 351 and the Knights of Pythias Castle
Hall No. 58 and both he and his wife hold membership in the
Presbyterian Church. On the 10th of October, 1895, Mr. Peck
married Miss May Tedford, and they have one son, Bruce.
Isaac L. Peck was born at Remington, Indiana, on the 13th of
February, 1876, and after availing himself duly of the advantages
of the public schools he was for a time employed in a clerical
capacity. For the past several years he has conducted a successful
business as a contractor in the construction of stone roads, and
after the death of his brother William E., in 191 5, he went to
Chautauqua County, New York, to assist in the supervision and
administration of the latter's estate. He is the only one of the
children of the late Daniel W. Peck who is not married.
James I. Peck, who is associated with his brother Frank L. in
the drug business at Remington, was born in this village on the
1st of September, 1877, and as a youth he followed various occu-
pations, including service as a carrier on one of the rural mail
routes emanating from Remington. He has been associated with
his brother in the drug store since 1903, and like his brothers is a
republican and identified with the Masonic fraternity Remington
Lodge No. 351 and the Knights of Pythias, Castle Hall No. 58. On
the 20th of February, 1908, was solemnized his marriage to Miss
Katharine Meehan.
Mary E. Peck, the only daughter, was born and reared at Rem-
ington, and here was solemnized her marriage to Max T. Price.
They now reside at Charleston, Virginia, and have one son,
Charles H.
Maurice B. Peck, the youngest of the children, has been a resi-
dent of Remington from the time of his birth, which here occurred
on the 17th of February, 1884, — about one year and nine months
prior to the death of his father. From his youth he has been
associated with the mercantile business conducted by his eldest
brother. On the 20th of February, 1907, he wedded Miss June
Bowman, and they have one daughter, Maxine. He has followed
the family rule in his political and fraternal associations, and thus
is a republican, a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias.
'&l4yi e^n/.
: ^/, ^ObcJho'-i
**fO
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 381
The Peck family as a whole is one of prominence in the repre-
sentative social activities of Remington and its various members in
Jasper County have fully merited the unalloyed popular esteem
accorded them.
Warren T. McCray. Widely known as he is, as the "Hereford
Cattle King," Warren T. McCray, one of Newton County's most
prominent men, is almost as well known in other connections of
great importance all over the State of Indiana.
Mr. McCray is the greatest breeder of Hereford cattle in the
world, his famous cattle farm of 1,600 acres in Newton County,
producing animals that have commanded a selling price as high as
$10,000 each. At his eighth annual sale, held on May 17, 1916,
he sold at public auction seventy-five head of his surplus cattle,
most of which were of his own breeding, for the sum of $96,525, or
an average of $1,287, thus establishing a world's record.
Warren T. McCray was born on the old family homestead in
Newton County, Indiana, February 4, 1865, being the second child
and only son of Greenberry Ward and Martha J. (Galey) McCray.
Since 1862 Newton County has been the family home. Reared in
a democratic way, his education was secured in the public schools,
and after being graduated from the Kentland High School, he en-
tered the service of the Discount & Deposit State Bank at Kent-
land, of which his father was president for forty years. At the
age of twenty-one, Mr. McCray decided to embark in business
for himself, and purchasing an interest in a grocery store and
developing it into the leading establishment of the kind in North-
western Indiana, he foreshadowed the great achievements that
his sagacity, shrewdness and ingenuity subsequently brought about.
In 1889 he bought an interest in a grain business, and again his
business faculties brought him an added measure of success, and
in many sections of the state he was looked upon as the "Grain
King," owning a string of elevators along the railroads of Northern
Indiana and becoming president of the National Association of
Grain Dealers. He was honored by being elected to this high posi-
tion for three terms.
From grain it was a natural step into the cattle business, and
here again did his sure financial sense lead to prosperity. He has
become the recognized Hereford King, not of the United States
alone but of all the world. His herds are famous and his model
farm in Newton County is a Mecca attracting visitors from all over
the country. The family still owns the land that his father secured
over a half century ago. All his agricultural operations are con-
ducted along modern lines, and his farms are notably productive, as
they are carefully and scientifically cultivated. In all his under-
takings, Mr. McCray has shown foresight and general enterprise,
and a progressiveness that is indicative of great mental alertness.
In no uncertain way has Mr. McCray been a supporter of the
382 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
policies of the republican party, and this party has indicated a desire
to bestow upon him the greatest honor in the state. Popular with
all classes and often previously urged to enter a personal political
campaign which he invariably declined, he found the call so urgent
in July, 191 5, that he became a candidate of his party for the office
of governor. He felt that a great opportunity was presented for
the furthering of vital moments in which he has been interested for
a lifetime. On the occasion of a great gathering of Newton, Jasper
and Benton counties and Tenth District republicans, all his per-
sonal and political friends, Mr. McCray was so impressed by the
warmth and sincerity of the demonstration that he changed his
policy of non-acceptance and, in a remarkable speech, consented
to be his party's candidate for the exalted office of chief state
executive. His closing remarks were :
"No matter what honors may come to me hereafter, there can
be none that will stand out in my memory more clearly than this
honor you have shown me today. And it will be my constant prayer
and benediction that no act of mine will ever cause you to regret
the confidence you have this day reposed in me. May God bless
and keep you all, and may the sunshine of His favor be upon us
and give us wisdom, uprightness and victory."
He made an active canvass for the nomination at the primaries,
and his campaign was characterized by the clean, high-minded man-
ner in which it was conducted. He made many true and lasting
friends, but was defeated by Mr. Goodrich, who had the advan-
tage of an extended political acquaintance of long standing.
On June 15, 1892, Mr. McCray was united in marriage with
Ella M. Ade, the youngest child of John and Adaline (Bush) Ade
and a sister of George Ade, distinguished author and playwright.
To them were born four children, Lucile Ade, born October 30.
1893; Gilbert, born October 14, 1896, deceased in infancy; Marian,
born April 23, 1900; and George Warren, born September 7, 1902.
Mr. McCray and family are active members of the Presbyterian
Church.
The great business interests that have been paramount in the
career of Warren T. McCray have connected him with the leading
men of the day in every sphere and circle, and on them he has left
his impress as a man of great business ability, with a personality
honest, sincere and agreeable. He has had a busy life, with little
leisure to devote to organizations of a merely social character, but
is identified with such fraternal orders as the Masons, and Knights
of Pythias. At present he is the head of his father's old banking
house, maintaining its well-known prestige along modern lines. In
addition to being identified as already mentioned, Mr. McCray is
president of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture; ex-president
of the American Hereford Association and former president of the
Indiana Livestock Breeders' Association. On many occasions he
has been called upon to serve on honorary boards in the public
M<^4<#T*ty fr)r?(0 U&y
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 383
service, and for eleven years was a member of the board of trus-
tees of the Northern Indiana Hospital for the Insane. Kentland
and Newton County claim him as one of their most able, useful
and vital citizens.
Greenberry Ward McCray. The second son of William and
Lucinda (Edwards) McCray, was born on a farm near Conners-
ville, Indiana, July 13, 1839. At an early age he moved with his
parents to a farm near Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, In-
diana. Here he grew to manhood surrounded by the influences that
accompanied the struggling pioneer life of early Indiana. He had
the advantages of such public schools as existed at that time, and
after teaching one winter he spent one year in the preparatory school
for Wabash College.
On March 6, 1862, he was joined in marriage to Martha Jane
Galey, daughter of Samuel Smith and Elizabeth Galey, who lived
on an adjoining farm to the McCray homestead, thus culminating
a romance in the lives of these neighboring children whose early
affections ripened into love and marriage. Within a few days after
the wedding ceremony they started in a covered wagon across the
trackless prairie to the new home in Newton County, which he had
previously bought and prepared for his future residence. They
located on the newly acquired farm, situated about 2^2 miles from
the present town of Brook. At that time the Pan-Handle Railroad
was just being built from Logansport to Peoria, through Goodland
and Kentland, thus placing them within twelve to fourteen miles of
railroad facilities.
They continued to live on this farm until October, 1870, when
they moved to Kentland, the county-seat. During this time they
were blessed with three children, Fannie, the eldest, who married
Frank A. Comparet, a prominent lawyer of the Newton County
bar; Warren T., a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere, and
Annie E., all of whom now live in Kentland.
Upon moving to town, Mr. McCray engaged in the livery and
implement business, besides looking after his extensive farming
and live-stock interests. In 1874 he joined in a partnership with
John Ade and E. Littell Urmston, in the banking business, and
continued as president of the institution until his death, December
13, x9i3-
He was a man liberally endowed with those qualities of man-
hood which made him a force in the community during his long
and useful life. He was always fair and just, and no deserving
person was ever denied a helping hand. He was a staunch tem-
perance advocate, and zealously gave the influence of his example
and precepts to the cause. He was a most indulgent husband and
father, and his happiest moments were spent in his home, sur-
rounded by his family and friends. He was a member of the Pres-
byterian Church, being one of its most liberal supporters. In all
384 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
matters of public concern he was public-spirited, at all times favor-
ing and encouraging the development of the town and country in
which he had great faith. He was industrious and frugal, careful
and cautious, yet generous and broad-minded. In politics he was
a republican, and a firm believer in the principles and efficacy of
his party. He was a man wise in counsel, sound and deliberate
in judgment, and his advice was sought and heeded by his neigh-
bors and friends.
An overwhelming sorrow came to him in the evening of his life,
when his devoted companion passed away on December 12, 1912.
He never overcame this great blow, and surviving her death only
by one year and one day, he passed over to the Great Beyond. His
life's work was complete. He labored and wrought, and the heritage
he left in good deeds, noble example, lofty purpose and righteous
living, has left its impress on the community and all those who
were blessed by coming in contact with his great personality.
Charles T. Denham. The relationship of Charles T. Denham
to Jasper County, and particularly to the Village of Remington, has
been of a broad and varied and uniformly successful character. He
is one of the old time merchants of Remington and only recently
gave up the mercantile activities by which he was best known in
that community. In business and in civic affairs he built up a
reputation which still follows him for thorough integrity, fair and
square dealing, and a judgment which led to continued advancement
and prosperity.
He was born in Mount Pleasant, Ohio, now a part of the City of
Cincinnati, February 14, 185 1. His parents were Josiah W. and
Isabelle (Scott) Denham. His grandfather, Joseph W. Denham,
was an Englishman, entered the ministry in early life, and emi-
grated to America when his son Josiah was twelve years of age.
About 1832 he located at Cincinnati, and lived in that city or in the
vicinity until his death at the age of eighty-eight. Josiah W. Den-
ham, though quite well advanced in years at the time, made a record
as a soldier in the Civil war which will always be cherished by his
descendants. He became a lieutenant in Company G of the 70th
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but finally was disabled and resigned his
commission in 1863. In the fall of 1864 he moved his family to
Starke County, Indiana, near Knox, and died there September 5,
1865. He is buried in the Round Lake Cemetery near Knox. He
was twice married and had eight children : George H. has for many
years been a successful educator and is now principal of the Hyde
Park School in Cincinnati; he married Melissa Steele, now de-
ceased, and by that marriage had Bertha, deceased; Grace Betts,
who is now living at Middletown, Ohio, and Robert, also deceased.
Professor Denham married for his second wife Carrie Wyatt, and
their two children are Thomas W. and Martha. Of the other chil-
dren of Josiah W. Denham Robert M. and Ann E. are both deceased,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 385
the fourth in age is Charles T., Joseph E. is a Baptist minister now
located at Pleasanton, Kansas, and Josiah W., Jr., is deceased. The
father's second wife was Phoebe Broom, arid the two children of
their union were : Hattie E., who is the wife of Ford Warner, and
they live with their family of children at Dallas, Texas ; and Clara,
now deceased.
After the death of his father Charles T. Denham in the spring
of 1866 removed from Starke County, Indiana, to Grant Township
in Newton County near Goodland, where he lived in the home of
his step-uncle Eleazar Gorsline for two or three years. After that
for several years he was employed as a farm hand by residents of
that locality and then engaged in farming for himself. On Septem-
ber 3, 1874, he married Margaret A. Thompson, daughter of George
G. and Elizabeth D. (Beal) Thompson. The Thompson family
were among the very early settlers of Carpenter Township.
Immediately after his marriage Mr. Denham moved to Reming-
ton, and for a little more than forty years was closely identified
with the development and mercantile affairs of that city. He was
first proprietor of a meat market, and that was his regular line of
trade for almost thirty-one years, when he sold out and in partner-
ship with Carl Somers bought the hardware stock of J. D. Allman.
Under their management this was continued as a prospering enter-
prise until January, 1913, when Mr. Denham sold to G. I. Thomas.
He conducted a variety store for oncyear, sold it to J. H. Hensler,
and since then has been outside the main current of business activ-
ities and has looked after his private interests. His permanent resi-
dence is Brook, Indiana.
To Mr. and Mrs. Denham were born four children, two of whom
died in infancy. Ina May married Blanchard Elmore and is now
deceased. George H. is still living at home with his father.
The name of Charles T. Denham is probably as familiarly known
throughout Jasper County as that of any other citizen. For sixteen
years he served on the town board of Remington, and was president
of the board for several terms. He was appointed a county com-
missioner to fill a vacancy, and after that was regularly elected for
successive terms, and altogether gave almost thirteen years of service
in directing and managing the county affairs. He is republican, and
he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which he
has been treasurer and trustee four or five years. He takes much
interest in fraternal affairs, particularly in Odd Fellowship, and has
been identified with that order since he was twenty-one years of
age, having taken his first degrees in Goodland Lodge, and trans-
ferring to Schuyler Lodge No. 284 at Remington. He has been
through all the chairs of this lodge, was a charter member of the
encampment, and is a chief patriarch of that branch and also belongs
to the Rebekahs. Mr. Denham is also a past chancellor of the
Knights of Pythias at Remington, and is affiliated with the Masonic
386 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Lodge and the Sons of Veterans. A successful business man, his
prosperity is the more creditable since he has made it all by his own
intelligent effort.
Reuben Hess. Not only is the present prosecuting attorney
of Newton County, Reuben Hess, an able lawyer who is thorough
in his professional knowledge, but he is so well thought of as a
trustworthy citizen, that at times prior to accepting his present office,
he has been entrusted with important public responsibilities.
Reuben Hess was born on a farm near Momence, Illinois, August
22, 1869, and is a son of William Henry and Catherine ( Ricks) Hess,
both of whom were of predominating German ancestry, although
William Henry Hess was born in Ontario, Canada. When he was
six years old he was brought to the United States, where he grew
to manhood and lated proved his loyalty to the Union by enlisting,
when Civil war was declared, as a private in Company K, Forty-
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served about three
years, taking part in such important engagements as Fort Donelson,
Shiloh, Corinth and the seige and capture of Vicksburg, after
which he was honorably discharged on account of disability con-
tracted while in the army. Of his three children, two yet sur-
vive.
Reuben Hess grew to manhood in Kankakee County, Illinois,
attending the public schools at'Momence, and later taking a commer-
cial course in the Northern Indiana Normal School, at Valparaiso, in
1896 being graduated from the scientific course, in the same institu-
tion. While thus pursuing his higher education, Mr. Hess taught
school in order to secure the means to defray his educational ex-
penses, and when he found opportunity, studied the primary prin-
ciples of law, so closely applying himself that he succeeded even
beyond his hopes and in 1901 was rewarded by being able to be one
of the graduating class of that year from the normal school, in its
law department. In September of the same year he entered the
law office at Morocco, Indiana, with Albert E. Chizum as a
partner. In the following year he was elected clerk of Newton
County, on the republican ticket, and in 1906 he was re-elected and
served as county clerk for eight years, and subsequently was elected
treasurer of the Town of Kentland. After serving one year as
treasurer, he resigned in order to assume the duties of prosecuting
attorney, to which office he was elected in the fall of 19 14, his
jurisdiction covering the Thirtieth Judicial District of Indiana
Since the 22nd day of April, 1904, Mr. Hess has been a resident of
Kentland, and aside from' his official duties has carried on a large
private practice.
On February 15, 1905, Mr. Hess was united in marriage with
Miss Love Dearduff, of Morocco, Indiana. They are members of
the Presbyterian Church and their helpful interest may be depended
upon along the benevolent avenues through which the church accom-
j[fa4r?U? <^^U- COzA-ok QMr^-iyij
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 387
plishes so much in the way of charity. Mr. Hess is a Royal Arch
Mason and is connected with the Eastern Star of that order, and is
also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Pythian Sisters.
Aaron Lyons. In the venerable and honored citizen who died
at his home in Brook February 28, 1915, that community possessed
not only one of its oldest residents, but also a man who represented
in his long career the prominent social and civic elements which
compose the citizenship of this community throughout its growth
from a frontier settlement. The late Aaron Lyons was a remarkable
man. Eighty-three years of age at the time of his death, he was
distinguished as being the first white child born within the limits
of the present Newton and Jasper counties, and with the exception
of two years spent in Benton County was a resident there all his
life. He was both a witness and actor in the changing development
in this long time. While a substantial degree of material prosperity
rewarded his industrious efforts, the honor paid to his memory is
more specially due to his fine independence of character, his active
influence in the social and political movements experienced at dif-
ferent times during the last century, and altogether he was a pioneer,
a broad-minded vigorous citizen, and a Christian who lived his
faith in his daily walk.
He was born February 5, 1832, in the pioneer cabin of his
parents which stood on what is known as the Jerome Franklin farm
and its site is now in an orchard on that place. This farm is in
what is now Washington Township of Newton County.
His parents, John and Anna (Jones) Lyons were natives of
Ross County, Ohio, and they came to Newton County in 183 1, and
spent the rest of their days in Iroquois, about V/z miles
south of Brook, Indiana. John W. Lyons combined hunting with
farming, and died in 1863. He was laid to rest in the Brook
Cemetery, where more than half a century later his son Aaron was
also laid to rest. John W. Lyons served as a justice of the peace in
early days, when that official was appointed by the governor, and
he was also a county commissioner. In politics he was a whig and
later a republican, and an active supporter of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
The year 1832 was notable in the history of the Middle West on
account of the Black Hawk war. This Indian uprising, caused alarm
to all the settlements in Northern Indiana, and a few months after
Aaron Lyons was born his parents took refuge at Sugar Grove on
Pine Creek until the danger had passed. Thus Aaron Lyons grew
to manhood in a typical frontier settlement, and as a boy he fre-
quently played with Indians as comrades. While he had only moder-
ate advantages in the way of schooling, he was a great reader and
acquired a vast amount of information. He developed the traits of
personal courage, honor and straightforwardness, and self reliance
388 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
by actual contact with the rugged conditions and environment of his
youth.
Most of his career was spent as a farmer. However, in 1855, he
established the first store ever conducted in Brook, and that store
was located on the lot where at the present time the structure known
as the Airdome stands. He was in business as a merchant for six
years, and he also served as postmaster at Brook from 1856 to 1862.
In 1862 he resumed farming, at first on the farm now occupied by
Samuel Conn, and then moved to the old homestead south of Brook.
On this homestead stood in the early days a log cabin of three rooms,
in which were conducted the first religious services Mr. Lyons
attended as a boy, and he also attended school there. Still later Mr.
Lyons moved to his own farm north of Brook which he continued
to own until his death. In 1876 he and others established a Grange
store at Brook. Bad crops, with inability to make collections, in-
volved this concern, and Mr. Lyons and Andrew Hess shouldered the
responsibilities and paid off the debts. In that time it was not un-
common for business men to fail and to settle at a small per cent
on the dollar, and this fact accentuates the sterling honesty of Mr.
Lyons and Mr. Hess.
In 1899 Mr. Lyons moved into Brook and lived retired until his
death. In the way of public service he was township trustee for
about four years, and he made a hard fight to get the county seat
located at Brook. It is recalled that he was a very able debater, and
on many occasions he proved his ability in this respect. He was also
a worker for reform and a temperance leader, and when about twenty
years of age he united with the Methodist Church and was always
one of its most loyal supporters, serving for years as church steward
and trustee. He also became a class leader at the age of twenty-
eight. In the early days he opened his home to the preaching of
the gospel and maintained the family altar of worship until within
the last few weeks of his death. He was a great lover of the bible
and also was fond of some of the old fashioned hymns and he
would usually open the day with singing some of the old tunes. His
life was really a benediction to the community in which he lived
and it is proper to quote some portions of an editorial tribute which
appeared in the Brook Reporter at the time of his death:
"The church, the schools, temperance, good government, right
thinking and right living as we see them in this community owe
much to Mr. Lyons and the men like him who have stood out often
alone in the battle for the moral uplift of the community, and he
lived to see the things he worked for and prayed earnestly for come
into being. Today as we stand shoulder to shoulder in the cause
of temperance, the individual is lost sight of, but looking back
through the vista of years, we see a small group of men, of which
Mr. Lyons formed a part, fighting the great battle alone. How
much we owe to them, how much we owe to him, we can never
know, nor does it matter to him, as he now sleeps, for he took his
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 389
stand on these questions not for the applause of men but because
he believed them to be right. He was a pioneer in all things. He
discovered the 'promised land' and sought to bring his world to it.
His was an intelligent Christian home. What he believed he lived
in his daily life, he taught his children and with courtesy impressed
on his friends and neighbors. They testified their regard for him
by gathering at the Methodist church at Tuesday afternoon March
2, 191 5, to pay tribute to his life."
In 1854 Mr. Lyons married Sarah Smith, who died December
11, 1856. Both their children died in infancy. On April 12, i860,
he married Solinda Edmondson, who lived and grew with him into
ripe old age. She was born in Hamilton County, Indiana, a daugh-
ter of Thomas and Nancy (Box) Edmondson, who were natives
of Tennessee and moved to Hamilton County at a very early day.
The Edmondsons were of Irish stock. After the death of her hus-
band Mrs. Edmondson moved to White County, Indiana, and in
1856 established her home at Morocco, but she died in Brook in
1867.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyons had eight children, but two died in infancy.
All of the children received a common school training, and some
college or normal training, and all were teachers in the public schools
and active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Annie N.
Lyons married, in 1884, Hudson Reed, who had also been a teacher.
They moved to a farm about 4^2 miles southeast of Brook, where
they continued to live until the death of Mr. Reed. He was a
member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and a man highly respected
in his community. After the death of her husband Mrs. Reed
with her three children moved to Brook. Ethel, the eldest of the
children of Mr. and Mrs. Reed, is a graduate of DePauw Univer-
sity, of Greencastle, Indiana, and holds the position of librarian of
the Brook Public Library; Glenn is a student in Purdue University;
and Grace is attending DePauw University. Ella M. Lyons, the
second child of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons, is a graduate of the State
Normal at Terre Haute, and supplemented this training with at-
tendance at the Indiana State University and the University of
Chicago, after which she taught for several years in the graded
schools and the high school. In 1904 she accepted the chair of
English in the Elkhart High School, resigning that position after
nine years of service to take care of her aged parents. With her
sister Grace she traveled quite extensively in Continental Europe in
the year of 1908. Grace Lyons, after attending the Indiana State
Normal, taught in Newton County, but, preferring a business life,
entered a business college in St. Louis, Missouri, where she grad-
uated, and afterward took additional work and training in a busi-
ness college of Indianapolis. She has since been in the employ of
the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York and located at
Indianapolis. Luther C. Lyons after a common school training pur-
sued a business course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College of
390 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Chicago, and is now senior member of the firm of Lyons & Hersh-
man, hardware merchants of Brook. He married Miss Etta Bur-
ford, who studied in Franklin College and was a teacher in the
Brook schools at the time of her marriage. They have three chil-
dren, Burford W., in the eighth grade of school, Ruth F., in the
seventh, and Everett A. Flora Lyons taught a few years in the
Newton County schools, and subsequently completed a teachers'
course of music in Chicago and still later graduated in the College
of Musical Arts in Indianapolis. She is now a teacher in her Alma
Mater. Arthur H. Lyons fitted himself for a business life in the
State Normal at Terre Haute, and is now engaged in the lumber
and coal business at Brook and is one of the successful men of his
town. He is a lover of music, and has been a member of the orches-
tra and band of Brook. He is also a member of the Knights of
Pythias Lodge. He married Miss Nellie Zuck, a daughter of the
Rev. R. N. Zuck, former pastor of the United Brethren Church
at Brook. Mrs. Lyons was a teacher in the Brook schools at the
time of her marriage, and both she and her husband are Methodists.
Their three children are Virginia L., in the fourth grade of school,
Alford, in the second grade, and Eleanor. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron
Lyons also took into their home when six years of age a little boy,
Marion Hoke, whom they reared and educated, and who became
a farmer. He married in the State of Washington and became a
great worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church and a student of
the Bible, and has frequently preached funeral services in his local-
ity. He is a Prohibitionist and a strong advocate of temperance.
John Bennett Lyons. The Lyons family has been a resident
of Newton County more than three quarters of a century. It is
probable that as many of the substantial activities in and about the
Village of Brook revolve about this name as that of any other of
the old families. As pioneers they helped to clear up the wilder-
ness and develop the succession of woodland and swamp into fertile
tracts of agricultural and grazing land. Their individual enterprise
has also extended to those movements instituted for community
benefit. The name Lyons is traceable to the Holland Dutch, and
at one time it was spelled Leab and Lieb.
Since the organization of the Bank of Brook, the only banking
institution of the village, John Bennett Lyons has been very promi-
nent in its management and operation. Mr. Lyons made his success
as a farmer and stockman, and has spent all his life in Newton
County.
He was born February 23, 1845, on section 22 of what is now
Iroquois Township of Newton County. When he was a boy his
parents removed to section 17 of the same township and the old
homestead is now located just outside the limits of the Village of
Brook. His parents were Samuel and Margaret (Smith) Lyons.
About 1840 they moved from the country south of Chillicothe in
2rC i/i y~
^^> \*Q\
h.
4
i
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 391
Ross County, Ohio, to Iroquois Township of Newton County. John
B. Lyons' great-grandfather came from Holland and was a colonial
settler. The name as stated was originally spelled Leab or Leib, and
what reason prompted the change to Lyons is not recalled. Samuel
Lyons' mother was of Welsh descent. Margaret Smith was born
near Hoboken, New Jersey, of Dutch stock, and her parents, Joseph
and Mary (Earl) Smith, moved from New Jersey and located first
near Crawfordsville, Indiana, on Coles Creek during the decade of
the '20s, and about 1832 or 1833 moved to Iroquois Township and
were among the first pioneers to invade the wilderness of Newton
County. They settled just across the branch from the old Spitler
residence, and were close to the location of the first courthouse in
Jasper County in section 29. Samuel Lyons died June 5, 1905, at the
age of ninety-two. As a young man he learned and practiced the
trade of blacksmith, but after coming to Newton County was a
practical farmer. He was a whig, abolitionist and republican, but
never sought office.
John Bennett Lyons had a taste of pioneer life while growing
to manhood. He attended one of the pioneer schools and his first
teacher was Samantha McQueary.
He was still a boy less than seventeen years of age when on
November 5, 1861, he was mustered into service in Company B of
the noted Fifty-first Regiment of Indiana Infantry. With the excep-
tion of a portion of the year 1863 he was continuously in service
with this command, and was honorably discharged as hospital
steward of the Fifty-first Regiment at San Antonio, Texas, Decem-
ber 13, 1S65. He is one of the honored members of the Grand Army
Post at BrOok. Mr. Lyons was among the first to respond to his
country's call for troops, and when the beautiful Carnegie Library
was erected in Brook he had placed at his own expense a beautiful
metal tablet giving the names of the original volunteers in Company
B of the First Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry, it being his
company and the first enrolled in Newton County. This is a tribute
paid to the boys of blue of 1861-65 which will ever hold the name
of John Bennett Lyon dear to the citizens of Brook and Newton
County.
On returning home from the war he took up farming, and on
May 8, 1868, married Mary C. Hess, a member of the prominent
Hess family of Newton County, and a daughter of Andrew and
Sarah (Holman) Hess. Her family was of Holland stock, and the
Hesses moved from Ross County, Ohio, to Brook in 1855. Much
is said about the Hess family on other pages of this publication.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have a family of nine children, and it testi-
fies to the strong and vigorous stock that all the children and grand-
children born into the family circle are still living. Lawrence E.,
the oldest, is a resident at Brook, and by his marriage to Catherine
Robertson has a child named Lawrence E. Oliver M. is also a
resident of Brook, and married Lilly Sterner, and their children are
392 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
William S., Dorothy and Lucile. Fred, of Brook, married Larva
B. Esson, and they have five children, Pauline, Gladys, William,
Fielder and Fred. Elsie married B. B. Gragg of Brook, and they
are the parents of three children, Bernard B., Gaylord and Phyllis.
James G., a farmer in Jackson Township, married Miss Frances
Hays. Lou is the wife of Fred B. Snyder of Brook. John B., Jr.,
is now assistant cashier of the Bank of Brook, and married Sue C.
Esson. Charles H. and Verna are both at home with their parents.
While John B. Lyons has gained his prosperity chiefly by farm-
ing, stock feeding, and the buying and shipping of stock on an
extensive scale, he has also acquired other important interests. He
is one of the directors and is treasurer of the Brook Terra Cotta
Tile & Brick Company. On October i, 1892, associated with John
Esson and George Turner, he established the private bank now the
Bank of Brook. Since that date he has had the practical manage-
ment of the affairs of this prosperous institution, and now owns
most of the stock. The Bank of Brook has a paid up capital of
$54,000 with $10,000 surplus fund, and the integrity of the institu-
tion and its stockholders have always been above question. The
officers are: John F. Lawrence, president; John B. Lyons, cashier;
John B. Lyons, Jr., and Fred Spangler, assistant cashiers.
While an active republican Mr. Lyons has performed his best
service to the community as a leading business man and banker. For
six years during the decade of the '80s he served as county com-
missioner, has been township trustee, and in 1892-93 was a member
of the State Legislature. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias
Lodge at Brook.
Isaac Vanosdol Alter. One of the very earliest families to
settle in Carpenter Township, Jasper County, Indiana, was one
bearing the name of Alter, a name that for over sixty years has been
representative of good citizenship. Additionally it has been one
that is linked with much of the development of this section, possess-
ing energy and enterprise, foresight and ambition.
The Alters are supposed to have originated as a family, in Hesse
Darmstadt, Germany. From there, in 1752, they started for the
American colonies, setting sail from Rotterdam, Holland, and in
the following year are registered as residents of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania. The name appears in the list of Revolutionary patriots
and its bearer was a direct ancestor of Isaac Vanosdol Alter, of Jas-
per County, Indiana, to which section the Alters came in 1848,
although as early as 1836 they came to the state from Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, sojourning in the meanwhile in Henry and
Hancock counties.
Isaac Vanosdol Alter, with two brothers, David and John Alter,
came from Henry County, Indiana, and settled in Carpenter Town-
ship when Jasper County was practically a wilderness. Isaac V.
was a farmer and in following out his agricultural operations,
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 393
ploughed up the virgin soil, with an ox-team, the present sites of
Kentland and Goodland. Like many of the early pioneers he was
fond of hunting and gained a local reputation as a trapper, there
being at that time an abundance of game in this section. He also
had note as a bee hunter, one of those, who, in a forest, through
instinct and keen eyesight, could locate the stores of honey that
were so welcome additions to the plain fare of the frontiersmen.
After his marriage to Eliza Willet, Mr. Alter moved to Wis-
consin, where he lived for five years, at the end of which time he
returned to Indiana and took up his residence in the village of
Rensselaer, for about one year afterward operating a grist and
sawmill, by steam power, on Curtis Creek. In 1862 he came to
Union Township and here acquired the valuable land on which his
descendants now live. He was a man of unusual enterprise and
business view and soon after coming to Union Township bought an
interest in a sawmill, of which he eventually became sole owner,
subsequently adding a gristmill and operating both mills by water
power. As other settlers along the stream were incommoded by
the damming of the waters, they naturally objected, and, as Mr.
Alter was a man of peace, he installed steam machinery and con-
tinued his milling industries. Although possessed of but limited
education, Isaac Alter was a man of quick intelligence and had
little real need for the instruction that would have been given him
in textbooks. He carried on his private business profitably and
served with efficiency as a township trustee and with honesty that
was proverbial.
The father of Isaac V. Alter, Rev. John Alter, was a pioneer
preacher and exhorter and as a circuit-rider traveled all over this
section. Thus Isaac was reared in a religious atmosphere but during
the earlier part of his life united with no church. During the last
thirty years, however, he was a very active religious worker and
was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. He died Sep-
tember 18, 1904, leaving a large estate and at one time had owned
500 acres of land. As stated, he married Eliza Willet, who was of
French extraction. She died May 1, 1883, the mother of six chil-
dren : John E., George W., Amos H., David S., Isaac F. and Eliza.
Isaac resides in Clinton County, Indiana, and Eliza died in childhood.
George W., after marriage, moved to Kansas and died in that state,
but the other brothers live on adjoining farms in Union Township.
Iohn E. Alter. Although the Alter family has largely been an
agricultural one, some of its members have also achieved much in
the trades and professions, diversity of gifts belonging to the entire
kindred. John E. Alter, one of the best known members of this
family in this section of the state, was born in Jasper County, Indi-
ana, February 14, 1853, and is a son of Isaac V. and Eliza (Willet)
Alter, both deceased.
After completing his district school training, John E. Alter kept
394 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
his mind active by turning his attention, to some extent, to the study
of the principles of civil engineering, in the meanwhile spending his
winters in teaching school, ioo winter months being usefully passed
in this way. That his engineering studies were of practical value
was proved when he was called on to serve as county surveyor, for
a long time being deputy surveyor prior to this, and serving three
terms in the office, during his last term, when the gravel road ques-
tion came up, through his scientific knowledge being able to be
instrumental in getting this public improvement well started. At
present he is one of the board of engineers employed by the trustees
of Union, Newton, Barkley and Marion townships to plan for the
improvement of the ditches in the section covered. Although
engaged as above stated, Mr. Alter has never neglected his farm
industries and owns 200 acres in Union Township on which he lives
and additionally, forty acres lying north of Virgie, Indiana.
John E. Alter was united in marriage with Miss Hattie McColly,
who is a daughter of Clark McColly, and they have four children:
John Cecil, a brilliant young man, is now in the weather bureau
service of the Government and chief of the Cheyenne agency ; Iva L.
is the wife of Joseph Pullin; Leslie manages his father's estate and
also his own estate of 100 acres. He married Miss Lottie Willet
and their two children are Cecil E. and Gerald. Fern is the wife
of Arthur McAuly, who is an electrical engineer at Chicago Heights.
The grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Alter are as follows:
John Winston, Edward Irving and Marion I., the children of John
Cecil Alter, and Max and Donald, children of Mr. and Mrs. Pullin.
Mr. Alter and family belong to the Methodist Protestant Church. In
politics he is a republican.
In addition to the many other interests which have made Mr.
Alter well and favorably known to his fellow citizens, he belongs
to that distinguished body known all over the land, the Indiana
Literary Guild, which, if organized, might insist on his membership
because of a very valuable contribution he has made to the authentic
history of this section. Reference is made to his romantic story
entitled "The Hoosier Hunting Ground, or the Beaver Lake Trail."
Although told in very interesting story form, the base is of fact
and authentic in every degree. Mr. Alter passes some of the most
enjoyable hours of his life in the companionship of his books.
Henry C. Pierson. He whose name initiates this paragraph
may consistently be designated a representative of one of the sterling
and honored pioneer families of Jasper County, where his parents
established their home when he was a lad of nine years. Within
the period of his adult life he has passed a number of years in other
Indiana counties, but he finally returned to Jasper County, where
he is numbered among the representative citizens and substantial
farmers of Union Township.
Mr. Pierson was born in Butler County, Ohio, on the 27th of
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 395
December, 1847, and is one of the three surviving children of
Caleb E. and Emily (Meader) Pierson, both likewise natives of the
old Buckeye State, where the respective families were founded in
the pioneer era of its history. The Pierson family has been identi-
fied with the annals of American history since the colonial period,
and Moses Pierson, grandfather of the subject of this review, was a
native of New Jersey, whence he removed in an early day to Ohio,
where he passed the residue of his life.
Caleb E. Pierson was reared to manhood in Ohio, where his
educational advantages were those afforded in the pioneer schools,
and where in his youth he learned the trade of carpenter, though
he had been reared on the homestead farm of his father and thus
gained an intimate and practical knowledge of the agricultural in-
dustry. He was identified with farming operations and the work
of his trade in Ohio until 1853, when he removed with his family to
Indiana and settled at Greensburg, Decatur County. In 1856 he
came from that place to Jasper County and purchased a farm of
eighty acres in Marion Township, east of Rensselaer. On this
pioneer homestead, which had been but slightly improved, he in-
stalled his family in a little house of two rooms, and this original
domicile continued to be the family home until he was able to make
better provision by the erection of a more commodious farm dwell-
ing. Here Mr. Pierson continued his active association with agri-
cultural pursuits during the remainder of his earnest and worthy
life. He supplemented the somewhat meager education of his youth
by broad and well ordered reading and study in later years, and he
not only kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day
but became a man of well fortified convictions and mature judg-
ment, so that he was recognized as a person of more than average
intellectual ken. He was reared in the faith of the democratic
party, but was never lacking in the courage of his honest convic-
tions, and thus he identified himself with the republican party at
the time of its organization and gave his support to its first presi-
dential candidate, Gen. John C. Fremont. Thereafter he was un-
faltering in his allegiance to the republican party during the remain-
der of his long and useful life, and he was specially zealous in doing
all in his power to uphold the Union and the policies of President
Lincoln during the climacteric period of the Civil war. While he
devoted the major part of his time and attention to agricultural
pursuits after coming to Jasper County, he found also a demand for
his services as a carpenter, and builder, in which connection it is
specially interesting to note that he erected in Rensselaer an edifice
for the Church of God, and that this building is still in excellent
preservation and still used for religious worship. Caleb E. Pierson
was a man whose entire life was guided and governed by the highest
principles of integrity and honor, and thus he ever commanded the
unqualified confidence and good will of his fellowmen. He was
never known to indulge in a single expression of blasphemy during
396 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
his entire life and his influence was fruitful in incentive and lesson
to those who came within its compass. In early life he held mem-
bership in the Unitarian Church, but he finally united with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which both he and his wife were
zealous members for many years prior to their death. He passed
away at the age of about seventy years, and his wife's demise
occurred in 1858, the names of both meriting enduring place on
the roll of the honored pioneers of Jasper County.
As previously stated, Henry C. Pierson was nine years old at
the time when the family home was established in Jasper County,
and here he was reared to adult age under the sturdy and invig-
orating discipline of the home farm, the while he made good
use of the advantages of the schools of the locality and period. His
entire independent career has been marked by close and effective
identification with the great fundamental industries of agriculture
and stock-growing, and aside from his activities as a farmer in
Jasper County he passed four years in White County, two years
in Tippecanoe County, and one year in Benton County. There-
after he was again in Jasper County for a time, and he then removed
to a farm in Iroquois Township, Newton County, where he con-
tinued his successful operations as an agriculturist for a period of
fifteen years, at the expiration of which, in 1910, he returned to
Jasper County and established his home on his present farm of
fifty acres in Union Township. He is one of the careful, industrious
and successful farmers of Jasper County, and as a loyal and public-
spirited citizen of sterling character, he has the respect and con-
fidence of the people of the county in which the days of his boyhood
and youth were passed.
Mr. Pierson is found aligned as a stanch supporter of the cause
of the republican party, though he has never manifested aught of
ambition for political office, and both he and his wife hold member-
ship in the United Brethren Church.
In 1870 Mr. Pierson wedded Miss Harriet Carson, and she was
summoned to the life eternal on the 4th of February, 1889. Five
children were born of this union: Jesse Bruce, Emily Grace (de-
ceased), William Harvey, Lacey (deceased), and Marion. On
the 28th of April, 1891, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Pierson
to Mrs. Anna L. (Wood) Knight, daughter of the late Moses Wood
and widow of Albert Knight. No children have been born to this
union.
William H. Ade. Of the Ade family of Newton County it is
hardly necessary to speak by way of introduction, though it is neces-
sary to meet the expectation of everyone who uses this work for
reference to include some of the biographical details in the careers
of those representatives of the name who have been most conspicu-
ously identified with the development of the country since pioneer
times.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 397
First attention must be given to the veteran John Ade, who since
Newton County was first formed as a distinct civil jurisdiction in
Indiana has been prominent in its affairs and business activities.
John Ade was born September 21, 1828, in Sussex County, England,
the oldest in a family of six children born to John and Esther
(Wood) Ade. In 1840 the family came to America, settling near
Cincinnati, where Mr. John Ade, who was twelve years of age at
the time of the immigration, had some further school advantages
and then learned the blacksmith's trade, which was his regular occu-
pation for several years. While living in Cincinnati he kept a toll
gate near that city from 1849 to 1851.
/ John Ade became identified with this section of Indiana more
than sixty years ago. Coming from Iroquois County, Illinois, where
he had spent only a few weeks of residence, he settled in Morocco,
Indiana, in 1853, and was a resident of that town until i860. That
year Newton County was formed, and at the first election of officers
he was chosen recorder and then took up his residence at Kentland,
the new county seat. When his term as recorder expired in 1864
he was elected auditor, and held that office until 1868. Not long
afterwards he became identified with the banking business, with
which. his name was most prominently associated for many years
in Newton County. In the newly organized Discount and Deposit
Bank of Kentland he accepted the position of cashier, and in 1875
acquired a partnership in the institution, but for many years con-
tinued to hold the post of cashier. More than any other individual
he was responsible for the growth and influence of the oldest bank-
ing house of Kentland. He retired from active business affairs a
number of years ago.
In politics he has been a republican since the organization of the
party, has been officially identified with the Christian Church, and
became one of the first members of Kentland Lodge of Masons. In
1 85 1, two or three years before settling in Newton County, he mar-
ried Miss Adaline Bush of Cheviot, Ohio. To their marriage were
born seven children : Anna, who married John \\T. Randall on May
18, 1871 ; William; Alice, who became the wife of John G. Davis
of Newton County ; Joseph ; Emma, who died in 1865 at the age of
five years ; George, whose name and reputation as an author and
playwright have attained world wide fame ; and Ella.
Of these children particular mention is made at this point of
William H. Ade, who for years has been one of the strong and
vigorous factors in the life of his community, and is well known by
his attainments outside of Newton County. He was born in Mo-
rocco, Indiana, August 3, 1859, and with the exception of two years,
1882-83, spent in Dakota, has always lived in Newton County. He
was about six months of age when his parents removed to Kentland,
after the establishment of Newton County, and he grew to manhood
in that little country village of Northwest Indiana. He attended
the public schools, but at the age of seventeen took up his regular
398 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
career and vocation as a farmer. It is as a farmer that William
H. Ade still prefers to be classed, though he has extensive interests
in other lines of activity. For a number of years he has been very
successful as an importer of Belgian horses, and has done much
to make the livestock industry profitable in his section of Indiana.
From 1896 to 1900 Mr. Ade was treasurer of Newton County. At
that time he was a republican, the political faith to which he had
been reared, and he continued to support that party until the national
convention of 1912, after which he aligned himself with the pro-
gressive cause. In 1914 he was the unsuccessful candidate of his
party for congress. He has done much to advocate such progressive
measures as the initiative and referendum, the cause of universal
suffrage, and has been a strong advocate of temperance. It is only
stating the estimate and judgment of others to say that William H.
Ade is one of the foremost citizens of Northwest Indiana, and is a
big man both mentally and morally. At the present time his prop-
erty interests in Newton County comprise 1,015 acres of partly
developed farm lands.
On January 12, 1887, he married Miss Katie Shepard, daughter
of Otis Shepard of Kentland. There are four children : Nellie,
Mrs. J. D. Rathbun, Ardis, John O. and Charles R.
William P. Bennett. Hard work and intelligent manage-
ment as a farmer and a public spirited relationship to all matters
of community concern, have made William P. Bennett one of the
best known citizens of Jasper County, which has been his home
for nearly half a century. He is now living virtually retired, and
has a beautiful country home in Section 26 of Marion Township on
Rural Route No. 3 out of Rensselaer. His present farm comprises
forty acres, but for many years he directed operations on a much
larger area.
He was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, October 22, 1855, a son of
Knicley and Louisa (Baxter) Bennett, his father of German
and English and his mother of English descent. The parents were
married in Ohio, and of their eight children five are still living. The
father was also a farmer and in 1868 brought his family to Jasper
County, locating near Pleasant Ridge, where for many years he
conducted his farm. His first wife and the mother of his children
died in 1882, and he subsequently married Emily Nicholson. They
were both killed while driving across the railway tracks at Maple
Grove Crossing, being struck and killed by a passenger train. This
was in the fall of 1892. They were laid to rest in the Smith Ceme-
tery, while the first wife was buried at the Prayter Cemetery. The
father was a successful farmer and stockraiser and accumulated an
estate of 120 acres. He was a stanch democrat, though originally
he had supported the whig ticket. Though greatly interested in
public affairs he never cared to hold office. In later years he took
much interest and part in church work, and was a member and
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deacon of the Christian Church. The land which he secured in
Jasper County in the early days he improved from a wilderness con-
dition, and by his work and character enjoyed the thorough esteem
of all who knew him.
William P. Bennett was about thirteen years of age when the
family came to Jasper County, and thereafter he attended for a
time the common schools in Barkley Township. His time and efforts
were given to his father until he was nineteen years old, and he then
worked out as a farm hand and contributed his wages to the house-
hold exchequer until he was twenty-two. At that time he made his
first purchase and started life independently, acquiring forty acres
in Barkley Township. To that he subsequently added eighty acres
more, and his prosperous career as a hard working farmer con-
tinued until about eight years ago. He not only cultivated his land
but engaged on an extensive scale in the raising of stock, being
associated in that business with Robert Randle and R. B. Harris.
About eight years ago Mr. Bennett left Barkley and moved to his
present home in Marion Township. He put up a comfortable home
for his declining years, also built barns and other structures, and
has since pursued a somewhat leisurely career.
On September 14, 1877, he married Miss Ellen Moore, daughter
of Benjamin and Elizabeth Moore. Mrs. Bennett died in 1879,
and on September 8, 1881, he married Ella Fielder, daughter of
Richard and Eliza (Faulkner) Fielder. Her mother was born near
Lincoln. England, and came to the United States when twelve
years of age. Her father was born in Logan County, Ohio, and
he and his. wife were married there. Mr. Fielder came to Jasper
County in 1865, locating in Barkley Township, followed farm-
ing and stock raising, but about 1880 he and his wife went to Mason
County, Illinois, where they are still living. Of their eight chil-
dren, only one is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are members
of the Christian Church at Rensselaer. Mr. Bennett is a democrat
in politics, and is one of the many zealous admirers of President
Wilson. Their farmstead is known as The Riverview Farm, and
is a credit to the county.
George Kannal. Since the earliest dawn of history the trend
of civilization has been ever westward. The face of the pioneer
is turned toward the setting sun. The Central States of the Amer-
ican Union have been settled by men from the Atlantic States and
by immigrants from Europe, whose combined efforts have turned
the old Northwest Territory into a number of great and flourishing
commonwealths, among which is the State of Indiana. To Jasper
County, in 1865, came George Kannal, who located in what is now
a part of Rensselaer, south of the Iroquois River. He was accom-
panied by his wife Mary and two children: Elizabeth, who later
became the wife of Thomas Hollingsworth, and Emmet. Mr. Kan-
nal was a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born March 13, 1813,
400 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
and there passed his earlier life. HeNcame to Indiana to go into
the banking business with A. McCoy and A. Thompson at Rensse-
laer, and as time went on he became a large land owner. In all
probability he was one of the best judges of human character that
ever lived here. Often he would make loans when the security was
insufficient, and when other lenders would refuse; but he rarely, if
ever, lost, so accurate was his judgment of men. He died June
10; 1885.
Emmet Kannal, son of George Kannal, was born June 10, 1849,
and died July 31, 1891, at the untimely age of forty-two years. His
adult life was passed in this county and it was here that his life's
interest was centered. He was a graduate from the Philadelphia
College of Pharmacy, and his thesis at the time of his graduation
received the highest and most honorable mention, being one of three
especially mentioned by the state board. He embarked in the drug
business in Rensselaer, in which he afterward continued until his
death, and was undoubtedly the best analytical chemist in this
section of the country. A man of advanced and original ideas,
he was particularly strong in his advocacy of public improvements,
streets, parks, fire protection and schools, at a time when the public
generally was not in sympathy with such measures. At the time
of his death he was serving as a member of the town board. In
September, 1872, he married Mary E. Duck, who died in 1912, leav-
ing three children: Harvey J., Romaine Irma (Mrs. Harry F.
Parker) and Juno Ida (Mrs. C. W. Eger). Mrs. Kannal was a
daughter of Jesse Duck, who was sheriff of Columbiana County,
Ohio, at the time William McKinley, then a struggling young
lawyer, was prosecuting attorney for that judicial district. Mr.
Duck later became internal revenue collector and was otherwise
prominent.
Harvey J. Kannal, the only son of Emmet Kannal, and the only
male representative of his grandfather, George Kannal, in Jasper
County, was born in Rensselaer, June 15, 1874. He was here
reared and primarily educated, and for a number of years was a
student of veterinary science. In 1890 he matriculated at the Chi-
cago Veterinary College, was graduated therefrom four years later,
and during this time was a student of special subjects in the North-
western Medical College. He began the practice of his profession
at Delphi, Indiana, in 1894, but, beginning in 1895, he has been
established in Rensselaer, his native city. Doctor Kannal has been
particularly honored in his profession. He is the present secretary
of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, having been
chosen to this position without his knowledge or solicitation over
scores of applicants for the place. He is also consulting veterinary
of the United States Department of Agriculture and is assistant
state veterinarian. In politics he is a Republican and has served
in various local official positions Socially he is a member of Iro-
quois Lodge, Xo. 143, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 403
with much of the important litigation in the county. He is the
present attorney for the Marble-Powers Ditch, (Cause No. 89),
which has in hand the straightening of the Kankakee River for
twenty-eight miles. This involves the construction of what will be
the largest ditch in the State of Indiana. Some years ago Mr.
Halleck established a telephone line connecting DeMotte, Kinman
and Wheatfield, which was the first telephone line constructed in
Jasper County. Though at first but a small private affair, it
eventually developed into the Halleck Telephone Company, operat-
ing 150 miles of wire. In politics Mr. Halleck is a republican and
in 1896 was elected county commissioner, during the nine years he
served as such acting as president of the board. It was during this
time that the new court house was erected. In 1908 he was elected
state senator for White, Jasper, Newton and Starke Counties.
While in the Senate he was chairman of the drainage committee.
He also introduced the bill making it possible for each county to
establish a tuberculosis hospital, and it passed both House and
Senate, but did not become a law, as the governor failed to give it
his signature.
Mr. Halleck was married June 1, 1888, to Lura I. Luce, and
they have had born to them five children: Mildred E. (Mrs. William
G. Richardson), Hester (Mrs. Harry Milner), Lura, Charles and
Harold. An active and public spirited citizen, ever ready to lend his
aid to any project for advancing the general good of the community,
Mr. Halleck has won and enjoys in a high degree the respect and
confidence of the people of his own and the neighboring counties,
which he represented in the Senate. As he is still in the prime of
life, no doubt many opportunities for usefulness are still before
him.
Micah B. Halstead. There were probably few persons in
Jasper County who did not know the late Micah B. Halstead, who
died at his home in Newton Township on April 27, 1902. He was
one of the earliest and one of the best and most known citizens.
Those who knew him admired and loved him, and there was a great
deal in his rugged character to command esteem and respect. It
is sufficient to invest his memory with some of the qualities of
romantic adventure when it is recalled that he spent several years
in the Far West and Northwest during the exciting period of the
early '50s.
A native of Ohio, he was born in Crawford County May 3, 1832,
a son of Samuel and Susanna (Webster) Halstead. His parents
were farmers, and lived in several different states and localities.
Micah B. Halstead spent his youthful days in helping with the work
of the home farm and in attending the neighboring schools. When
he was a very small child his people removed to Illinois, and his
mother died there in 1838. In the fall of that year he and the
404 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
other children went to LaPorte County, Indiana, where Micah B.
was reared by an uncle Asaph Webster.
There were exceedingly few people living in Jasper County when
Micah B. Halstead first identified himself with that locality in 1851.
He was accompanied by his brother David T. Halstead, of whom
as another pioneer settler appropriate mention is made elsewhere.
During the winter of 1852 Micah B. Halstead taught a district
school in Jasper County, and the following year went to Illinois.
From there as an assistant to John C. Davenport he helped to drive a
herd of stock to Oregon. This was a most eventful trip, filled
with dangers and adventures, and took him into the midst of condi-
tions which will always be considered among the most romantic
in the pioneer era of the Far West. For three years Micah B.
Flalstead lived in Oregon and in California, finally returning to the
States in 1856 by way of the Nicaragua route. He had a varied
experience on the Pacific Coast, and part of the time was engaged in
mining.
On his return east Mr. Halstead settled permanently in Jasper
County, and from that time forward was one of the most vigorous
citizens in the clearing and developing of agricultural lands in this
county, and in carrying on an extensive business as a stock raiser.
His work and influence left an indelible impress upon the com-
munity.
On August 30, 1857, not long after returning from the West
he married Virginia U. Harris, daughter of Benjamin and Betsy
(Faulk) Harris, who were also old settlers of Jasper County. To
this marriage were born eight sons : Orpheus C, David L., Edwin M.,
William, Sanford S., Everett R., M. Rankin and Chester H. Of
these, Orpheus C, Everett R. and Chester H. have homes of their
own and all reside in Newton Township ; David L. and William live
with their aged mother on the old homestead ; Sanford S. is in
the State of Wyoming and M. Rankin is in Mississippi. Edwin M.
was killed while engaged in teaching school in Dakota Territory.
The late Micah B. Halstead was a man of unusual strength of
character. Possessed of an alert, retentive mind, he was excep-
tionally well informed and was an entertaining companion. Moral,
upright, honest to the penny, he commanded respect wherever he
went. No one stood higher in Jasper County in the estimation of
his fellow men.
Orpheus C. Halstead. A representative citizen and substan-
tial farmer of Jasper County, Indiana, is found in Orpheus C-
Halstead, who owns a large amount of valuable farm land in
Newton Township. He belongs to an old family of this section,
was born in Newton County, November 6, 1858, and is a son of
Micah B. and Virginia U. (Harris) Halstead.
Orpheus C. Halstead was reared in Jasper County and for some
years attended the public schools, but the larger part of his educa-
tion has been secured through personal study, reading and observa-
Great-grandmother, Mary Ann Livingstone, has ten
children, twenty-one grandchildren and eighteen great-
grandchildren, all living at present. This represents four
generations.
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tion. Farming has been his life occupation and the principles of
this great industry he understands well. During the father's life-
time all the sons farmed together, but after the father's death the
estate was divided. Since February, 1901, Mr. Halstead has resided
on his home place in Newton Township, where he has 240 acres, and
he owns also 100 acres of the old homestead.
On January 28, 1891, Mr. Halstead was united in marriage with
Miss Laura C. Yeoman, who is a daughter of John and Abigail
( Sayler) Yeoman. They have one son, Roscoe Vernon, who was
born December 1, 1891. He grew up on the home farm and married
May Kelley and they have one son, Ralph Kelley Halstead. Mr.
Halstead and his son are republicans in politics.
Everett Reeve Halstead. While his interests are mainly iden-
tified with the management and cultivation of a fine farm in Section
18 of Newton Township, Everett R. Halstead has for a number
of years made himself a factor in affairs of Jasper County, and
belongs to that fine old family which has helped make history in
• this locality of Indiana since the early pioneer times. He is the sixth
in the family of children of Micah B. and Virginia U. (Harris)
Halstead, whose careers are sketched on other pages.
As a boy Everett Reeve Halstead had the usual experiences and
routine of discipline and work common to all Indiana youth. After
completing the course of the district schools, he entered the Val-
paraiso Normal and was graduated in June, 1889, and subsequently
spent two years in the Normal College at Columbus, Indiana. Mr.
Halstead began his career as a teacher, taught two years very suc-
cessfully in Jasper County, and is still remembered gratefully by
many of his old pupils. He was also for two years in educational
work in Eastern Oregon. Since returning home he has applied
himself with systematic enterprise and much success to his
profession as a farmer. From the fall of 191 1 for two years his
services were almost entirely engaged in government work.
On September 6, 191 1, Mr. Halstead married Loe Cornelia Pan-
coast, daughter of Abner Cicero and Elizabeth (Livingstone)
Pancoast. She traces her lineage to the great African explorer,
Doctor Livingstone, and she also is a descendant of Chancellor Liv-
ingstone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and who also
administered the presidential oath to Gen. George Washington when
the latter became the President of the United States. On the pater-
nal side she is of English descent, and the proper orthography of the
name is Pankhurst, and the same lineage includes the well known
suffragist leader, Mrs. Pankhurst. Mrs. Halstead was born in New-
ton Township, Jasper County, March 29, 1883, and has been liberally
educated, supplementing her common school training by a course in
the Rensselaer High School and at De Pauw University. She after-
ward became a successful teacher in both Jasper and Newton coun-
ties, and in the schools of Columbia City, where she taught history.
406 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
She has also studied both vocal and instrumental music. She is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, which she joined when she
was but a small child. Mrs. Halstead is the elder of her parents'
two children, and her sister, Oka May, who was educated in the
common schools and the Rensselaer High School, is teaching school
in Barkley Township. She is also a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Abner C. Pancoast, the father, was born in Ohio, in 1855,
attended the Valparaiso University, and is a farmer. He votes with
the republican party and is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. Mrs. Pancoast was born in Lake County, Indiana, in
1857, and after completing her educational training in the common
and high schools she taught in the schools of her native state. She,
too, is a member of the Presbyterian Church and with her husband
she resides in Newton Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Halstead have a happy little family comprising
three children, John Sheridan, born May 30, 1912; Oka Jane, born
September 16, 1913; and Virginia Elizabeth, born August 29, 1915.
These children have been rocked in a cradle which was also their
grandfather's, and it was made about sixty-four years ago, from
walnut grown on the farm of Shreve Pancoast, their great-great-
grandfather.
In politics Mr. Halstead is a republican. He is a member of the
Church of God, and his wife is a Presbyterian. At the outbreak of
the Spanish-American war Mr. Halstead took a prominent part in
organizing and drilling a company of cavalry which was the third
company in the First Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. After a
brief service this company came home, and on July 4, 1898, it took
the conspicuous part in a sham battle which was staged in the streets
of Rensselaer and which drew one of the largest crowds ever assem-
bled in that city.
Chester H. Halstead. Another representative of the promi-
nent and well known Halstead family of Jasper County is Chester
H., who though still in his early thirties has much to show for his
enterprise and labors in his fine farm in section 7 of Newton Town-
ship, where he is proprietor and manager of 245 acres.
Born in Jasper County January 26, 1882, he is a son of Micah
B. and Virginia U. (Harris) Halstead. He grew up in this section
of Indiana, attended the district schools near the old home and fin-
ished with two years in the Valparaiso Normal University. From
college he returned home to take up farming and stock raising, and
in that has found contentment and all the success which the average
man expects from any line of business or profession. It was in
March, 1909, that he moved to his present farm in section 7, and
out of 245 acres he has it all under cultivation with the exception of
eighty acres in timber and pasture. In six years' time he has done
a great deal to improve the buildings, has subdrained much of his
MRS. ELIZA ASKEW AND HER GRANDCHILDREN
William H. Halstead, age four years ; Flora V., age fifteen months; Grandmother,
age seventy-two years.
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JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 407
cultivated area by the liberal use of tile, and now has a farm which
is capable of producing good revenues every season.
On December 15, 1908, at Kiowa, Kansas, he married Miss Emily
D. Askew, who was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, February 11,
1886, a daughter of Abraham and Eliza (Lester) Askew, and on the
paternal side is of French ancestry. She is a graduate of the Cedar
Bluff High School, also attended the normal school at Tazewell, Vir-
ginia, and was a successful teacher in her native state for two years.
Abraham Askew, her father, was born in Russell County, Virginia,
in 1833, and he died in that state October 9, 1908. He was an agri-
culturist, and was a great reader, especially of the Bible. He accum-
ulated 360 acres of land in Virginia, was well known for his honor
and integrity, was a strong advocate of the cause of temperance, was
a republican in his political affiliations, and his church was the Mis-
sionary Baptist. Mrs. Askew was born in Tazewell County, Vir-
ginia, July 12, 1841, a daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Williams)
Fester, and she was reared and educated in the old Dominion State
of Virginia. There were eleven children in the Askew family, seven
sons and four daughters, and six are living, namely : William H.,
a business man of Wichita, Kansas, and he is married and has eight
children; Floyd H., a merchant at Cedar Bluff, Virginia, has two
children ; Thomas, a farmer in Tazewell County, Virginia, has two
children ; Fawrence, a farmer at Fiberty, Ohio, has two children ;
Rebecca Ann, who resides with her mother in Rensselaer; and Mrs.
Chester Halstead, who is mentioned in the biography of her husband
elsewhere in this work. Rebecca Ann Askew received a liberal
education, supplementing her common school course by attendance at
the Women's Female College at Marion, Virginia, and she has
studied both instrumental and vocal music. She is a member of the
Methodist Church, also of the Fadies Foreign Missionary Society
and the Fadies Industrial Society of Rensselaer. Mrs. Askew, the
mother, is a charming southern woman, and, as did her husband,
she holds membership in the Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Halstead are the parents of two children : William
Henry, born January 2, 1910; and Flora Virginia, born April 13,
19 1 4. Mr. Halstead is a republican in politics, is interested in every-
thing that will better his home community, but has no desire for the
ordinary political office.
David Thorpe Halstead. It is as one of the vigorous and
splendid pioneers of Jasper County that the late David Thorpe Hal-
stead should be remembered. There are some men who not only
perform their individual share of life's duty, but also carry with
them the destinies of many others and leave their impress upon an
entire community. That was true of the late David T. Halstead.
Born in Ohio May 23. 1826, he was one of the six children of
Samuel and Susanna (Webster) Halstead, and was a brother of
408 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
the late Micah B. Halstead, with whom he came as a pioneer to
Jasper County.
David T. Halstead's life is closely interwoven with the religious
development of this section of Indiana. Though for two terms he
served as auditor of Jasper County, his real work was in connection
with the Church of God, of which he was an elder for sixty years.
David Halstead came to Jasper County in 1851. He married Teressa
Reeve, and of their five children Joanna, Eva and Charles reached
maturity. His second wife was Patience Reed Sharp.
David T. Halstead was a man of pronounced views, generous to
a fault, giving much to charity, and not only possessed but exer-
cised a deep and abiding love for all mankind. Patriarchal in ap-
pearance during his latter days, he was indeed a father to the youth
needing wise counsel. His piety was of the highest order of
Christianity. His death occurred June 22, 1914, and he went to his
final rest followed by the benedictions of a host of friends and
admirers.
George A. Williams. During his career on nearly fifteen years
as a member of the Jasper County bar, Mr. Williams has exempli-
fied all the success of the able lawyer and the general public service
which is usually associated with that profession. He has been
honored on a number of occasions with positions of responsibility
and trust and in many ways has impressed his life on the modern
prosperity of Rensselaer. He is the type of lawyer who began life
without special advantages and has risen from comparative poverty
to a high rank in his profession.
He was born on a farm in Allen County, Ohio, July 24, 1873,
the oldest of nine living children in a family of eleven, whose parents
were James M. and Hannah H. (Custer) Williams. Both his
parents were of Ohio birth and were respectively of Welsh and
English ancestry, and they are still living in Ohio.
George A. Williams spent his early years at work on the home
farm and in attending district schools. His education came not
from consecutive attendance at school, but was interrupted by many
demands upon his time and energy from the necessity of self-
support. He spent two years in the Northwestern Normal School,
now the Northern Ohio University at Ada, and one year at Mount
Morris College in Mount Morris, Illinois. For ten years he was a
successful educator in his native state, and a part of that time
was principal of the schools at Big Springs. In the meantime he
had begun the study of law with the serious purpose which has
characterized his every undertaking, and in 1899 he entered the law
department of what was then the Northern Indiana Normal College
at Valparaiso. In June, 1901, he received his diploma from the
institution, and in August of the same year located for practice at
Rensselaer. That has been his home now for nearly fifteen years
and in that time he has been identified with much of the important
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 409
litigation in Jasper County. Perhaps his most notable work as a
lawyer was his retention as the sole attorney for the petitioners in
the improvement of the Bonitrager Ditch and the improvement of
the lower Iroquois River.
Mr. Williams has been much in public affairs of an official
nature. He served a number of years as city attorney of Rensselaer
and is now Jasper County attorney. He is also a member and
secretary of the present school board of Rensselaer, and during
his membership on the school board the present modern high school
building was erected. He is a republican in politics, and fraternally
is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Castle Hall No. 82, of
Rensselaer.
On July 20, 1905, Mr. Williams married Miss Margaret David-
son, a daughter of James M. and Susan C. (Springer) Davidson of
Carthage, Illinois.
John A. Dunlap. Among the men who are now maintaining
the dignity and reputation of the Rensselaer bar, John A. Dunlap is
easily one of the first both in sound knowledge of the law, in breadth
of experience and in his high standing as a man and citizen. Mr.
Dunlap started out in life with a determined purpose to make him-
self useful in a profession, and though his means were severely
limited he accepted every opportunity for advancement and by
teaching, by working on farms, and at other occupations paid his
way while digging through the wall of learning that encloses this
field of human knowledge.
He has the distinction of being a native of one of the counties
included in this historical survey. John A. Dunlap was born in
Newton County August 1, 1878, a son of John and Henrietta (Cris-
ler) Dunlap. Of the six children of these parents four are still
living. The parents were also natives of Indiana, and John Dunlap
was a farmer and to some extent was identified with merchandising
during his brief career. When a young man he located in Newton
County, and died at Julian at the early age of thirty-five in 1885.
His widow survived until 1899.
Seven years of age when his father died John A. Dunlap owes
much to the love and diligence of his good mother, who kept her
little family together until she married James Dunlap, a brother of
her first husband. By her second marriage she became the mother
of two children, one of them still living. These facts suggest that
John A. Dunlap did not grow up in a home of luxury, and he early
realized that he must make his own opportunities in life. At the
age of sixteen he may he said to have started his practical career,
working as a farm hand during the summer months and attending
school in winter. In this way he was able to complete what is now
considered the equivalent of a high school course, attending the
schools at Morocco, and later took a course in the Northern Indiana
Normal School at Valparaiso. Securing a teacher's license, he
410 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
taught intermittently and also pursued his studies of law in uie
office of Davis & Graves at Morocco, and was later a student in the
office of Graves & Sutcliff at Warsaw.
In 1900 Mr. Dunlap was admitted to the bar and at once started
private practice at Syracuse, Indiana. He later went West, was
located at Independence, Kansas, for a time, and for two and a
half years had considerable experience as a lawyer in Los Angeles,
California. Returning to his native state in 1910, he located at
Rensselaer, and in the past five years has built up an excellent
practice in the law.
Mr. Dunlap is a republican, and has affiliations with the
Masonic Order, Lodge No. 125, and the Knights of Pythias, Castle
Hall No. 82. On September 20, 1905, he married Miss Helen
Johnson of Chicago. To their marriage has been born one daughter,
Dorothy Anna.
James H. Loughridge, M. D. Well may this publication pay a
special tribute of honor to that noble man and pioneer physician
whose name initiates this paragraph and whose life was one of lofty
ideals and aspirations and of able, zealous and unselfish service to
his fellow men. The name of no pioneer of Jasper County is held
in more reverent memory than that of Dr. Loughridge, who in the
early days of his practice endured the most arduous of labors,
encountered the most trying conditions and subordinated personal
comfort in his earnest ministration to those in suffering and dis-
tress, his practice having extended over a wide area of country.
He continued in the active work of his profession until virtually
the time of his death, which occurred at Rensselaer, the judicial
center of Jasper County, on the 16th of August, 1895, his age at
that time having been sixty-seven years and four months.
Dr. James Hervey Loughridge was born in Greene County,
Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and the date of his nativity
was December 27, 1828. He was a son of William and Mary (Ket-
tler) Loughridge, both of whom passed their entire lives in the
old Keystone State, where his father was a farmer by occupation.
Dr. Loughridge was reared to the invigorating discipline of the
home farm and as a lad his alert and receptive mentality caused him
to profit fully by the advantages offered in the common schools of
the locality and period. Thus early was quickened his ambition for
higher education, and his ambition was ever one of action. He
finally entered Washington & Jefferson College — now known as
Washington College, at Washington, Pennsylvania, and in this
institution he was graduated when about eighteen years of age.
Under excellent preceptorship he thereafter pursued the study of
medicine, and as a young physician and surgeon he came to Indiana.
He resided at Terre Haute for a short period, then removed to
Battle Ground, Tippecanoe County, and in 1852 he established his
permanent home at Rensselaer, the county seat of Jasper County.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 411
He was one of the early physicians of this now thriving and attrac-
tive little city, and his practice extended over a wide scope of
country, and that at a period when there but few roads and
when these highways were of primitive order. He pursued his
humane mission under many material difficulties, often making his
way on horseback along mere cow-paths, many times at night and
always without regard to the inclemency of weather. Through
winter snows and icy blasts he plowed his way, and in the spring
of the year the roads were practically bottomless oozes of mud.
The zeal and devotion of this pioneer physician knew no bounds,
and he lived to view and aid in the march of development and
progress and to see the development of this section of Indiana into
a well improved country of splendid attractions and unequivocal
prosperity. He never wavered in his allegiance to his exacting
and responsible profession and continued one of its leading repre-
sentatives in Jasper County until the hour of his death, which was
looked upon by the entire community with a feeling of personal loss
and bereavement. Doctor Loughridge never permitted himself to fall
below the highest standard of efficiency both as a physician and
surgeon, and his constant study and research kept him abreast of the
advances made in both departments of his profession. He gained
specially high reputation as a surgeon, and was a leader in the
ranks of his profession in this part of the state. He was a charter
member of the Jasper County Medical Society, was actively identi-
fied with the Indiana State Medical Society and held membership
also in the American Medical Association. Buoyant and optimistic,
genial, generous and kindly, his very presence was like a ray of
sunshine and a harbinger of good cheer, and he took deep interest
in his fellow men, with an abiding desire to aid and uplift all who
came withtin the sphere of his benign influence. He was affiliated
with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, in the teachings and fraternal activities of which he took
much pleasure.
In politics Doctor Loughridge gave unwavering allegiance to the
democratic party and he was a stalwart supporter of its principles
as exemplified by Jefferson and Jackson. He was a man of pro-
found intellectuality, and the alertness of his mind was shown by
his graduation in college when he was but eighteen years of age.
He was keen and anylatical in his reasoning, was well fortified in
his convictions, and was an ardent lover of nature, with rare
appreciation of "communion with her visible forms." The "prim-
rose by the river's brim," had more of significance to him than a
mere yellow primrose; the wild flowers of the uplands and the
marshes ever challenged his admiring attention, and all of nature's
animate creations he looked upon with the attitude of a friend.
It may well be understood that to a man of such noble character-
istics and pervasive patriotism would not fail to espouse his
country's cause when its integrity was menaced by armed rebellion.
412 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
When President Lincoln issued his first call for volunteers Doctor
Loughridge promptly enlisted and became a surgeon in the Ninth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and later he served as a company
surgeon in the Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Few of
the old-time citizens of Jasper County had a wider acquaintanceship
and no man in Jasper County held more secure vantage-place in
popular confidence and esteem. He accumulated a competency,
the just reward for his effective and long continued services in his
profession, through the medium of which he gained almost in its
entirety his material prosperity.
As a young man Doctor Loughridge took unto himself a wife,
in the person of Miss Candace Powers, daughter of Francis Powers,
who came to Jasper County in the spring of 1845 and who was
one of the prominent and honbred pioneers of this county. Mrs.
Loughridge survived her husband by nearly a score of years, and
was summoned to the life eternal on the 18th of May, 1912, at the
venerable age of seventy-eight years, her memory being revered by
all who came within the compass of her gentle and gracious influence
and her name being held in lasting honor in the community that
represented her home for many years. Of their three children the
first born was Victor, who became a skilled physician and surgeon
and who was engaged in the practice of his profession at Rensselaer
at the time of his death, in March, 1896, about one year after the
death of his father; Virgil died in infancy; and the youngest of the
children, Blanche L., remains as the only surviving representative
of the immediate family. She is the wife of James L. Chapman,
of Rensselaer, and is a leading factor in the representative social
activities of her native city.
William M. Hoover. For more than fifty years William M.
Hoover has been helping to make history in Jasper County, where
he has led a decidedly active life, beginning with his valued service to
the country as a soldier of the Union army. For half a century
he has been a prominent farmer in Marion Township and has con-
tributed to the growth and development of that locality.
Though a resident of Indiana since infancy, William M. Hoover
was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 27, 1844, a son of Alford
and Margaret (Rozelle) Hoover, his father a native of Harper's
Ferry, Virginia, and bis mother of Ohio. In 1846 the family moved
from Ohio to Warren County, Indiana, and in 1854 joined the early
pioneer settlers of Jasper County, locating on a tract of wild land in
section 12 of Marion Township. It was in that locality that Alford
Hoover spent his declining years. He was a cooper by trade, but
followed farming after bis removal to Indiana. The mother oi
William M. Hoover died February 6, 1904, in very advanced age.
Eigbteen months of age when brought to Indiana, William M.
Hoover was reared partly in Warren and partly in Jasper County,
attended such common schools as were in existence at that time, and
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JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 413
had reached the age of seventeen when he responded to the call for
volunteers at one of the critical times of the Civil war. He enlisted
August ii, 1862, in Company A of the Eighty-seventh Indiana Vol-
u eer Infantry. This regiment was organized and rendezvoused
at South Bend, was mustered in at Indianapolis, and departed for
the front in August, 1862. The regiment went to Louisville, Ken-
tucky, and Mr. Hoover was first under fire at Crab Orchard. He
was a participant in practically all the campaigns throughout Ten-
nessee, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia until the strength of the Confederacy in those states was
broken. He fought at Tunnel Hill, Benders Prairie, Gallatin, Tulla-
homa and at Chickamauga, where more than half of his regiment was
wounded or killed and he received a painful wound through the knee.
After recovering he was at Rossville, and then sent with his com-
mand back to Chattanooga and joining Sherman's forces participated
in the practically continuous fighting during the hundred days of
advance from Chattanooga up on Atlanta, including the siege and
fall of that city. During the Atlanta campaign he was wounded
twice in the face, but not sufficiently to keep him out of service for
any length of time. After the fall of Atlanta he went on with
Sherman to the sea, thence up through the Carolinas, and finally at
the close of the war marched in Sherman's victorious hosts up Penn-
sylvania Avenue during the Grand Review at Washington. He came
out of the army with the rank of corporal, his discharge being dated
June 26, 1865, at Indianapolis. He had also served under General
Thomas.
Since the close of his military career Mr. Hoover has been con-
tinuously identified with farming activities in Marion Township. He
has been prospered as he merited through his exceptional industry
and good judgment, and is the owner of a fine estate of 480 acres in
Marion Township, and still continues farming and also is a buyer
and shipper of live stock.
Mr. Hoover married, on the 14th of February, 1867, Miss Nancy
J. Adams, who was born in Miami County, Indiana, August 4, 1848,
a daughter of Isaac and Anne (Iddings) Adams, and she was
reared and educated in her native county. She is a true wife and
mother, and a lady of the most pleasing personality. Three sons
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. Alford A., a resident of
Marion Township, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits,
was liberally educated. He has fraternal affiliations with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Rensselaer, and both he and his
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He married Miss
Evaline Jackson. William I., a resident of Rensselaer, is mentioned
elsewhere in this work. Frank L. resides with his parents on the
farm. He graduated in the Rensselaer High School, and then
matriculated in the state university at Bloomington. He married
Miss Leo Knox, and they aremembers of the Christian Church.
The name of William M. Hoover is well known throughout
414 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
Jasper County both as a private citizen and as one who has been
honored with public office. He was elected county treasurer in
1884 and served two years in that office. In politics he is a demo-
crat, is a member of the Grand Army Post and is affiliated with the
lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in Rensselaer.
George E. Murray. The persistent application to one line of
effort that usually results in business success, has had its effective-
ness demonstrated in the case of George E. Murray, one of the
prominent citizens of Rensselaer, Indiana, who, from the beginning
of his business career has been continuously connected with mercan-
tile interests. Mr. Murray is president of the G. E. Murray Com-
pany, Inc., an amply financed and important mercantile interest of
this section, and also is vice president of the First National Bank
of Rensselaer. Still further, he is identified with additional finan-
cial concerns and with other enterprises, his aggregated interests
covering a wide business field.
George E. Murray was born at Leesburg, Ohio, April 13, 1857,
and is a son of Gilbert E. and Henrietta (Sweney) Murray. On
the paternal side the ancestry is Scotch and on the maternal is
Irish, a combination that has notably resulted in sturdy characteris-
tics in descendants. The father of Mr. Murray died when he was
six years old and his burial was at Leesburg. After this bereave-
ment the mother of Mr. Murray removed with him to Kokomo,
Indiana, and there he attended school and spent his boyhood. By
the time he was seventeen years of age, however, this period of
irresponsibility was over and he started out to make his own way
in the world, his success depending entirely upon his own efforts.
Endowed by nature with a business sense, Mr. Murray early
decided that the mercantile field would offer favorable opportunities
for business advancement, and prior to 1881 he served as a clerk in
mercantile houses at Kokomo, acquiring business details and the
knowledge that is so necessary in the mercantile line. With this
knowledge, in 1881, Mr. Murray came to Rensselaer, Indiana, and
in partnership with J. H. S. Ellis, established a store and conducted
the same under the firm name of Ellis & Murray until 1903, when
he bought his partner's interest and continued alone until 1906.
By this time Mr. Murray had a firmer grasp on business con-
ditions, through his mercantile and other interests, and in the above
year (1906), he greatly enlarged the scope of his concern and
incorporated, with a capitalization of $8,000, under the style of the
G. E. Murray Company, Inc., with the following officers : George E.
Murray, president ; Charles E. Simpson, vice president ; and Fred
Arnott, secretary and treasurer. The stock carried includes general
merchandise and groceries, a superior quality only being handled,
and sterling business methods dominating the entire house.
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 415
Mr. Murray, as indicated above, is also a very important factor
in the financial field, being connected with two banks and being vice
president of one, and additionally is concerned as a large stock-
holder in a local lumber company. His responsibilities have all been
assumed and his undertakings carried on with the marked integrity
which has won him the universal confidence he enjoys at home and
abroad, and his enterprises all reflect credit upon him and the city in
which they are located.
In June, 1889, Mr. Murray was united in marriage with Miss
Charlotte O. Hester, who is a daughter of Francis A. and Rebecca
(Slack) Hester, residents of Charlestown, Indiana, and they have
two children : Helen F. and Gerald E. Mrs. Murray is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Murray was reared
in the Presbyterian faith. In politics he is a republican but not
active except in voicing his approval and casting his vote for his
party's candidates. For many years he has been identified
fraternally with the Masons Lodge and the Knights of Pythias
Lodge No. 82. He has always been liberal in his contributions to
benevolent movements and cheerfully assists when unusual demands,
as very often occur, are made upon those charitably inclined. Fire,
flood and war have presented claims to almost every city in the land
in recent years, and Mr. Murray has always been ready to co-
operate in sensible, substantial methods of relief when appeals have
been made in his city.
Johan Hansson, D. V. S. The marvelous advance made in all
branches of medical science in the period covered only by the life
of those still in existence, has been particularly marked in what is
known as the veterinary art. By no means is this a new science,
veterinary skill having been exercised probably from earliest times,
and even the great Hippocrates wrote a treatise on the curative treat-
ment of horses. While this branch of practice concerns the treat-
ment and cure of the disorders that particularly pertain to the
animal world, its scope has grown so wide and its value has
become so vitally appreciated, that governments call for aid through
the science, skill and experience of its professors. At the present
time they alone can achieve the great feat of completely stamping
out maladies that, in afflicting the herds and stock that supply
necessary food to a large proportion of the entire human race,
jeopardize the well being and perhaps the existence. of the race
itself. The United States has not been as forward in the establish-
ing of great schools for training in this essential profession as some
other countries, nevertheless there are such schools that have become
of national reputation and their graduates are qualified for scientific
work either as government experts or as private practitioners. In
this connection may be mentioned Dr. Johan Hansson, whose suc-
cess in the field of veterinary medicine and surgery has made his
416 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
name favorably known not only throughout Jasper County but in
many other sections as well.
Johan Hansson, veterinary surgeon, Renssalaer, Indiana, has
been a resident of the United States for twenty-six years and of
Jasper County five years. He was born in Sweden, July 13, 1870.
His father, Hans Martinson, spent his entire life in Sweden, dying
there in 1879. His mother, Anna (Erlandson) Martinson, still sur-
vives and lives in Sweden, being now aged eighty years. Her
family was not large but all survive : Martin, the eldest, is a farmer
in Sweden, unmarried ; Arlland. who conducts the home farm at
Cimbris, Sweden, is married but has no children ; Johan was the
third born ; and Annetta, the youngest, resides with the aged mother.
The paternal grandfather, Martin Martinson, served as an officer
in Sweden's army.
An intelligent youth as was Johan Hansson can not spend fifteen
years of life on a farm without learning many things. One that
early aroused his sympathetic interest was the prevalence of dis-
orders among the stock and cattle and the consequent financial loss,
and in his boyish desire to bring about better conditions arose the
determination to study veterinary science. In his home neighbor-
hood he had comparatively little opportunity for advancing in any
direction, hence, believing the stories others told of great opportuni-
ties for young men in America, he decided to emigrate and in 1889
came to the United States.
Although Mr. Hansson kept on cherishing his ambition to be-
come a veterinary surgeon, he found it desirable to accumulate some
capital whereby he could sufficiently finance himself while devoting
his time to study. Therefore he worked for a time at first as a
machinist at St. Paul, Minnesota, continuing in the same line at
Pullman, Illinois, and still later at Big Stone Gap, Virginia. After
another season of work at Chicago, and still another at Monon,
Indiana, he returned to Sweden and in 1892 he was graduated from
Alnarpes Veterinary Institute.
In the year of graduation, Doctor Hansson returned to the
United States and in the same year became a naturalized citizen.
He established himself at Monon, Indiana, where he had previously
made many friends, for the practice of his profession and for doing
scientific horseshoeing. He found many patrons and had all been
as honest as himself, he would soon have secured substantial stand-
ing, but, when he found that it would be to his advantage to take
a post graduate course in the well known McKillip Veterinary
College, Chicago, his capital then available would not cover the
expense. Nevertheless he was enabled to take the course in that
great institution and was most creditably graduated from the same
in 1899.
In 19 10 Doctor Hansson came to Rensselaer, Indiana, and has
here built up a practice of large proportions, from which he has been
able to afford himself and family all the comforts and many of the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 417
luxuries of life. Since coming here he has purchased a fine farm
of 105 acres, situated in Newton township, and owns also a finely
equipped establishment in the town for professional purposes. It
was a source of expressed gratification to him when, recently, he had
the coveted privilege of entertaining in his beautiful home, one whom
he regards with feelings of deepest esteem, Dr. L. A. Merrilat, dean
of McKillip Veterinary College. He was able to show Dr. Merrilat
that his benefactions and extreme kindness in connection with the
former's course in that college had not been unworthily bestowed
and the visit was mutually agreeable.
In 1882 Doctor Hansson was united in marriage with Miss
Catherine Reed, and they have two children : Greveleus and
Annetta. Dr. Hansson is a member of the Lutheran Church, having
been confirmed in the same when fifteen years old. In politics he
is a republican and he is esteemed one of the substantial, pro-
gressive men of his community.
Henry Franklin King. Success in life is seldom or never the
result of accident, but depends upon long and continuous effort,
backed by natural or trained ability in one's chosen occupation.
Among the successful men of Jasper County is Henry Franklin
King, of Rensselaer, who has been a resident of this county since
early boyhood. William H. King, the father of this sketch, was a
native of Hancock County, Indiana, where he was reared. He
there married Anna Hall, and in 1882 came to Jasper County, locat-
ing on a farm one mile north of Rensselaer. For the greater part
of his life he followed farming, his death occurring in 1909. His
widow survives him. Their family numbered seven children, of
whom six are yet living.
Henry Franklin King, who was the youngest son but one of
William H. and Anna (Hall) King, was born in Hancock County,
Indiana, May 17, 1874. He was eight years old when he accom-
panied his parents to Jasper County where he has since made his
home. Reared on the farm, he was educated in the public schools of
Rensselaer and began industrial life as a laborer, at five dollars a
week, when fifteen years old. Having an economical disposition, he
saved his means and in 1900 at twenty-six years of age, was in a
small way enabled to go into the hitch barn business, in which he
continued for about two years. His success in this enterprise showed
for the first time his remarkable aptitude for buying things that had
become practical failures and building them up to profitable proper-
ties. He then engaged in the livery business with Daniel Waymire
and was identified with it for about eighteen months. During this
time they bought the blacksmith and repair shop now owned by
Mr. King, and eventually the combined business was divided, Mr.
King securing for his equity the shop and other consideration.
Although he knew practically nothing as a tradesman or mechanic,
he realized that the shop was in a run-down condition. He at once
418 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
remedied this state of things, put in a proper equipment, engaged
first class workmen, and soon had it on a profitable paying basis.
This industry he has continued to operate ever since. During the
time that he was engaged in these enterprises he became interested
in Jasper County realty, and from time to time added to his original
purchase until he now owns 140 acres of land, forty acres in Marion
and 100 acres in Newton Township. A republican politically,
he takes an active and beneficial interest in public affairs and is now
serving as a member of the present city council. Fraternally he
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the
Modern Woodmen. As a successful business man and public
spirited citizen he is widely known all over the county.
Mr. King was married, November 20, 1898, to America M.
Cripps, and they have four children : Walter C, Elizabeth, Kather-
ine and Robert. Mrs. King is a member of the Christian Church.
Randle Family. The history of the pioneers of Jasper County
must take up the Randle family almost at the beginning. Whether
considered from the standpoint of priority of residence or from
their notable activities as home makers in the wilderness and in the
community affairs of the early times, the Randies are among the
most conspicuous names in Jasper County. From Barkley Town-
ship, where they were the first settlers, their influence as land owners
and citizens has been woven into the warp and woof of county
history in many interesting ways.
This record must first concern Thomas Randle. Born in Hamp-
shire County in what is now the State of West Virginia, but was
then Virginia, January 9, 1798, a son of James and Mary (Shields)
Randle, who came originally from New Jersey, he grew up on a
farm in Western Virginia and among his early experiences learned
to operate his father's flouring mill on Patterson's Creek. While
living in Hampshire County he married Nancy Culp. Then in 1832
he and his brother-in-law, George Culp, with their families, came to
Indiana. Their mode of conveyance was a four-horse wagon, which
not only served to transport the women and children but also a supply
of household goods, implements and other necessities for existence
on the frontier to which they were bound. After twenty-seven days
of travel over rough ways, through forests and swamps, much of the
time over new made roads and blazed trails, the families located
about four miles south of the present site of Delphi in the Wabash
River Valley. The family lived there until about 1835, but in 1834
Mr. Randle and Mr. Culp came to what is now Jasper County and
secured lands in sections 4 and 5 of what is now Barkley Township.
Here they worked industriously for several days, erecting round log
cabins, covered with clapboard roofs, puncheon floors and with
stick and mud chimneys. They also harvested a crop of wild hay,
which then grew plentifully on the prairies. In the spring of 1835
Mr. Randle and Mr. Culp moved their families to their newly
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JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 419
chosen home, and that must be accepted as the record of the estab-
lishment of the first two families in what is now Barkley Township.
Thomas Randle, though of but ordinary education, was a man of
more than average intelligence. He stood long as a stalwart figure
in the early community, served as one of the early commissioners
of Jasper County and for years administered justice through the
office of justice of the peace. He and his good wife became the
parents of four sons and four daughters. Three of these sons are
still living. Many of their descendants are still found in Jasper
County, and this substantial family stock has also supplied citizens
to other counties and states. Thomas Randle died in Jasper County
December n, 1870, having survived his wife several years. Both
were Methodists in religion and became identified with the first
church organization in their township. Of their children James T.
and Nelson are the sons still living, and all have their homes in
Rensselaer. The other children were John, Mary, Isabel, Nancy
Virginia and Savina.
The distinction of being the oldest living resident of Jasper
County belongs to James T. Randle, a son of Thomas and now
spending the evening of his lifetime at Rensselaer. He was born
in Hampshire County, West Virginia, October 10, 1831, and was
an infant when brought to Indiana in the old wagon conveyance
above mentioned. His home has been within the limits of Jasper
County for fully eighty years, and no other resident has a fund of
recollections dating back to an earlier time than he. The years of
his developing youth were spent in assisting with the planting and
harvesting, and he has used every type of farm tool that has been
in vogue during the changing epochs of farming industry. As a
young man he swung the old fashioned cradle for reaping grain and
also the flail for beating out the kernels from the straw and chaff",
plowed with the old wooden moldboard, was fully grown when the
first railroad came through Jasper County, and was past middle age
when the wonderful inventions of electricity were introduced to
civilization. Such education as he obtained was acquired in the
Pleasant Grove school in a building built of logs, with slab seats and
the window openings covered by greased paper. In that school the
teaching was rigidly limited to the three R's.
On June 20, 1854, James T. Randle married Mary E. Overton,
whose parents, James and Emeline (Parker) Overton, were among
the early settlers of Hanging Grove Township. Shortly after his
marriage James T. Randle settled on a place of his own adjoining
the old homestead. He lived there and on the old home place,
which he had acquired by purchase, until 1883, when he moved to
Rensselaer, which has ever since been his home. Through his own
exertions he became one of the most prosperous land holders of
Jasper County, and at one time was the owner of 1,800 acres of
land, most of which has subsequently been divided among his chil-
dren. The stock interests of Jasper County have special reason to
420 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
appreciate the work of James T. Randle, since he was one of the
first men in the county to appreciate the value of blooded stock and
acting on this belief introduced some of the first blooded animals
onto the farms of Jasper County. He and his wife were members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died August 14, 1877,
leaving five children as follows : Robert, Thomas, John A., Emeline,
wife of D. S. Makeever, and Edward J. On November 24, 1878,
Mr. Randle married Ruth A. Harris, daughter of Rial B. Benjamin
and the widow of William Harris. The second Mrs. Randle died
January 24, 1898. On May 25, 1899, he married for his third wife
Mrs. Julia Enslen, who died May 14, 1910. Of Mr. Randle's chil-
dren two sons live in Kansas and one in Oklahoma. The only two
still living in Jasper County are Edward J. and Mrs. Makeever.
The responsibilities of the third generation of this family now
rest upon the shoulders of Edward J. Randle, whose name is well
known throughout Jasper County as a farmer and stock man. He
was born here August 19, 1872, and has spent his life so far within
the limits of his native county. He attended the common and
high schools at Rensselaer, and has been identified with farming
and stock raising for over twenty years.
Mr. Randle is a democrat in politics, and is affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias. On September 3, 1896, he married Lura
Yeoman, a daughter of Andrew K. and Elizabeth (Bram) Yeoman.
Mrs. Randle died August 29, 1910, leaving one son, Walter. On
December 30, 1913, he married Alice E. Shedd, daughter of S. S.
and Emma (Porter) Shedd.
Edward D. Rhoades. Fifty-eight years a resident of Jasper
County, the name of Edward D. Rhoades has been associated with
mercantile life at Rensselaer for more than a generation. He is of
that solid and substantial type of citizen whose work and career
are prosecuted along practically one line of endeavor and the success
and influence that have rewarded him have been largely due to these
stable and persistent qualities. When he was hardly more than
twelve years of age he had his first experience in serving the public
as a store clerk and his position in the community, while easily
defined, has long been one of the most substantial integrity.
Born April 11, 1854, at Winslow, Maine, Edward D. Rhoades
was brought to Jasper County when three years of age. He is one
of four living children in a family of seven whose parents were
Charles and Mary (Duran) Rhoades. They were likewise natives
of Maine, were reared and married in the old Pine Tree State, and
during his youth Charles Rhoades had learned the harness maker's
trade. When he came West to Jasper County in 1857 and located
in Rensselaer he made himself known to the community through his
trade, was known as a hard working and intelligent citizen, and he
and his wife lived at Rensselaer until taken away by death several
years ago. Their family made a conspicuous record during the
JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES 421
Civil war, in which three of their sons saw active service. William
H. was a member of the old Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry in
Company G under General Milroy and rose to the rank of first
lieutenant in his company. The son Charles G. of the same com-
pany and regiment, was killed while on scout duty. The other son,
Marshall D., served in the 48th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Edward D. Rhoades grew to manhood in Rensselaer, and secured
his education in the local public schools. When twelve years of age
he began clerking in a local store, and after a number of years of
employment with others embarked on his own account as a mer-
chant and for the past sixteen years has had one of the leading
retail hardware stores of Jasper County.
His work has also been important from a civic point of view.
He assisted in organizing the first volunteer fire department of
Rensselaer. President Benjamin Harrison appointed him post-
master of the town, and for four years that office was under his
capable administration. He has also served as city treasurer and
city councilman, and has long been one of the local leaders in the
republican party. He is a charter member of Rensselaer Lodge No.
82, of the Knights of Pythias and also is affiliated with the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows No. 143. He and his wife are active
members of the Presbyterian Church.
On September 6, 1879, Mr. Rhoades married Miss Lora H. Hop-
kins, a daughter of Raphael J. Hopkins of Rensselaer. To their
marriage have been born two children : Leonard C. is now associated
with his father in the hardware business at Rensselaer, while Lil-
lian is the wife of Charles Radcliff of Louisville, Kentucky. This
is one of the most highly esteemed families of Jasper County. When
it first located at Rensselaer there was hardly any town to speak of
and for more than half a century members of the family have sup-
plied some of those important services which go to give a town
distinction as a trading point and center of population.
C. E. Tripplet, M. D. There are two men still living in
Newton County who have the name of C. E. Tripplet. Both are
physicians, though the older is now retitred from active practice,
and the burdens of the profession are carried on by his son. For
fully sixty years Doctor Tripplet, father and son, have carried
their professional services into the homes of Newton County
people. The older doctor was one of the pioneers of the profes-
sion in this section of Northwestern Indiana. He practiced at a
time when there were practically no roads, when in the absence
of drug stores the physician carried most of his medicines in his
saddle bags, and when attendance upon patients involved long and
trying journeys and the exercise of tremendous physical fortitude
and endurance as well as professional skill.
Doctor Tripplet, Sr., was a native of Kentucky and is of English
ancestry. He was left an orphan and grew up with his' grand-
422 JASPER AND NEWTON COUNTIES
father until he was thirteen years of age. This grandfather was
also a prominent physician and surgeon, was at one time connected
with the Louisville Medical College, and it was from him that
Doctor Tripplet, Sr., received his thorough training for the prac-
tice of medicine.
In 1856 Doctor Tripplet, Sr., came to Newton County. That
was then an almost unbroken wilderness, and his advent proved a
great boon to the pioneers. He located in Morocco and from that
point for many years carried on the work of his profession over a
wide territory. He continued in active practice until 1900.
He has been not only a successful physician, but equally suc-
cessful in the management of his business affairs. He became
largely identified with farming and stock raising in Newton County,
and still owns 800 acres of land. At one time he owned 6,000
acres in Newton County. He has never neglected the public wel-
fare, and has been a liberal contributor to every enterprise in his
community. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He is now eighty-three years of age and is enjoying the
comforts of retirement at Morocco, and an object of special esteem
because the oldest living representative of the medical profession
in the county. He has two children, Doctor Tripplet, Jr., and a
daughter.
Dr. C. E. Tripplet, Jr., was born at Morocco, July 5, 1863, and
acquired a liberal education. He had some experience at farming,
and his early tutor in medicine was his father. In 1895 he gradu-
ated M. D. from Rush Medical College of Chicago, and since
September, 1897, has been one of the hard working and skillful
doctors of Morocco. He ranks as one of the able physicians not
only of Newton County but of Northern Indiana. He is con-
nected with the various medical societies and also with the Masonic
Lodge and Morocco Lodge No. 273, Knights of Pythias. Politi-
cally he is a democrat.
»44 pj.
*yr»
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